New Jersey Assembly Bill ACR183

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/8/23
• Refer: 6/8/23

Caption

Urges United States President, Congress, and USDA to take steps to protect SNAP beneficiaries from fraud.

Impact

The resolution addresses the current federal regulations which allow for a temporary solution where states can use federal funds to replace stolen SNAP benefits under specific conditions until September 2024. However, ACR183 calls for more robust and permanent measures, advocating for the retroactive replacement of stolen benefits back to October 2021, when skimming escalated significantly. By urging the federal government to act, the resolution aims to avert further financial hardship among low-income households who may find themselves hungry due to theft of their benefits.

Summary

ACR183 is a resolution introduced in the New Jersey Legislature which urges the President of the United States, Congress, and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to take comprehensive action to combat the rising levels of fraud affecting the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The resolution highlights the alarming increase in SNAP benefit fraud linked to the use of 'skimming' devices, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic began. This has resulted in significant financial losses for vulnerable families reliant on these benefits for food security.

Contention

ACR183 also highlights the limitations of the current federal protections for EBT cardholders, noting that unlike other debit and prepaid cardholders who are protected under the Electronic Funds Transfer Act, EBT users lack similar safeguards. This discrepancy calls for stronger, more secure systems for SNAP EBT cards, such as the implementation of EMV chip technology that could prevent future skimming incidents. The bill's proponents argue that these upgrades are essential to safeguarding the integrity of SNAP and ensuring the beneficiaries can continue receiving their much-needed assistance.