The implementation of HB 7585 will significantly alter regulations concerning the management and security of EBT card transactions. By enforcing the use of chip-enabled payment systems, the bill seeks to align EBT cards with modern cybersecurity practices already utilized in the private sector. This change is expected to greatly reduce instances of fraud associated with EBT cards and enhance the safety of recipients' benefits. Moreover, the bill requires that states issue reports on the security of EBT cards, maintaining transparency regarding the effectiveness of the new regulations and fostering accountability among participating states.
Summary
House Bill 7585, known as the Enhanced Cybersecurity for SNAP Act of 2024, aims to strengthen the security of Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards used in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The bill mandates the introduction of enhanced cybersecurity and digital service regulations specifically tailored for the use of EBT cards. It emphasizes the adoption of chip-enabled technology for payment terminals across retailers that participate in SNAP, thereby increasing the security of transactions and reducing risks associated with card cloning and fraud. Additionally, the bill stipulates that EBT cards that are damaged, lost, or frozen due to fraudulent activities must be replaced within a specified timeframe to ensure that recipients do not lose access to benefits.
Contention
While HB 7585 is largely aimed at improving security measures, potential points of contention may arise from the costs associated with upgrading payment systems for retailers, particularly smaller businesses. Some stakeholders could argue that the financial burden of implementing new technology could inadvertently affect their participation in the SNAP program. Furthermore, issues related to the accessibility of these new systems for lower-income recipients have been raised, prompting concerns about how these changes might impact certain populations who may face difficulties in adapting to the new technological requirements.
Accurately Counting Risk Elimination Solutions Act or the ACRES ActThis bill establishes requirements regarding reports about hazardous fuels reduction activities and standardized procedures for tracking data for hazardous fuels reduction. Hazardous fuels reduction activities means any vegetation management activities that reduce the risk of wildfire but excludes the award of contracts to conduct hazardous fuels reduction activities.First, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of the Interior must include in the materials submitted in support of the President's budget each fiscal year a report on the number of acres of federal land on which such activities were carried out during the preceding year.Next, USDA and Interior must implement standardized procedures for tracking data related to such activities. The standardized procedures must includeregular, standardized data reviews of the accuracy and timely input of data used to track hazardous fuels reduction activities;verification methods that validate whether such data accurately correlates to such activities;an analysis of the short- and long-term effectiveness of such activities on reducing the risk of wildfire; andfor hazardous fuels reduction activities that occur partially within the wildland-urban interface, methods to distinguish which acres are located within and which located outside the wildland-urban interface.Finally, the Government Accountability Office must (1) conduct a study on this bill's implementation, and (2) submit a report to Congress with the results of the study.