Proposed Law Aims to Safeguard SNAP Cards and Protect Families Food Budgets
Enhanced Safeguard SNAP Cards – Equip Cards with Special Chips
According to Koin, Oregon Senator Ron Wyden wants to make a law to safeguard SNAP cards from cyberattacks. These safeguard SNAP cards used by families to buy food they don’t have the same security as credit and debit cards. Hackers can steal money by cloning the card numbers causing millions of dollars in losses. The proposed Enhanced Cybersecurity for SNAP Act requires the government to safeguard SNAP cards and add special chips to the cards making it harder for hackers. The law also wants regular updates to safeguard SNAP card rules and a grant program to help small stores in underserved areas get better payment machines.
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Proposed Legislation Outlines Chip Implementation, Timelines, and Support for Businesses and Families
The law says the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) must issue safeguard SNAP cards with these chips and update security rules every five years. States need to start using chip-enabled cards within two years and stop using magnetic stripe cards in four years. The law also helps small stores by providing funds for better machines. If someone’s card is stolen the law wants states to give them a new one in three days for free. The goal is to not just fix card security but also help businesses in need and quickly support families facing card problems in Oregon and across the country.