Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Williams’ bill to open door to chip-enabled EBT cards passes House

Williams’ bill to open door to chip-enabled EBT cards passes House

Rep. Dan Williams    June 10, 2025 | 11:36 AM

HARRISBURG, June 9 – A bipartisan bill by state Reps. Dan Williams, D-Chester, and Doyle Heffley, R-Carbon, that would require a report on transitioning to chip-enabled EBT cards passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives today with overwhelming bipartisan support.

“I’ve had a growing number of constituents share their stories about theft of their SNAP benefits through skimming schemes,” said Williams. “Unlike debit and credit cards, EBT cards lack security chips, making them highly vulnerable to fraud. Since October 2022, Pennsylvania has recorded more than 23,000 cases of EBT theft.”

Criminals use skimming devices at point-of-sale terminals to steal card information and PINs, allowing them to clone EBT cards and wipe out the funds in an instant, leaving people unable to buy food.

House Bill 1429 would require the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services to work with the General Assembly to ensure an efficient transition to chip-enabled EBT cards.

The legislation would require the department to deliver a report to the chairs of the House Human Services Committee and the chairs of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee. The report would highlight costs, fraud prevention efforts and relevant statistics to enhance the security of SNAP benefits.

“With only two other states transitioning to chip-enabled EBT cards, this bill would make Pennsylvania one of the few states considering a transition, allowing us to take a lead in enhancing security for the people who rely on SNAP benefits,” Williams said.

The bill now moves to the state Senate for consideration.