Us Congress House Bill HB9370

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 8/16/24
• Refer: 8/16/24

Caption

To require State agencies to inform recipients of supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits, participants in the WIC program, and recipients of assistance under the TANF program of card skimming, card cloning, and similar fraudulent methods of stealing such benefits or assistance; and for other purposes.

Impact

If enacted, HB 9370 would lead to new protocols in communication and outreach for state agencies responsible for these assistance programs. Agencies would need to develop and implement educational materials and strategies for informing beneficiaries about fraud prevention measures. This requirement emphasizes the state's commitment to protecting public assistance programs and ensuring that beneficiaries are aware of potential threats to their benefits, thereby enhancing their overall security and welfare.

Summary

House Bill 9370 aims to enhance the security of public assistance benefits by requiring state agencies to inform recipients of programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, and the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program about threats like card skimming and cloning. The bill intends to raise awareness among beneficiaries about the risks associated with their benefits and to mitigate potential fraud that could jeopardize their access to essential services. This legislative effort underscores the need for increased protection against financial crimes targeting vulnerable populations.

Contention

Notable discussions surrounding the bill may raise questions about the adequacy of existing measures to protect beneficiaries from fraud. Critics might contend that merely informing recipients is not sufficient and that more robust protections need to be implemented at the system level. Additionally, concerns may arise regarding the resources required for state agencies to fulfill the new obligations outlined in the bill, including education campaigns and potential administrative costs.