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Bill

HB 621

An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in forgery and fraudulent practices, providing for the offense of benefit transfer device fraud.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Seth Grove and 3 co-sponsors

Creates new criminal offense for fraud involving government benefit transfer cards (SNAP, TANF) to enhance prosecution and deter misuse of assistance programs.

Referred to Judiciary
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 621

Legislative bill overview

HB 621 creates a new criminal offense in Pennsylvania law specifically targeting fraud involving benefit transfer devices—the cards and systems used to distribute government assistance programs like SNAP (food stamps) and TANF (cash assistance). The bill amends Title 18 of Pennsylvania's criminal code to establish penalties for unauthorized use, theft, or fraudulent manipulation of these devices.

Why is this important

Benefit transfer fraud directly diverts public assistance resources intended for eligible recipients, increasing costs to taxpayers and potentially leaving vulnerable populations without needed support. Clear criminal penalties can deter fraud, protect program integrity, and provide law enforcement with explicit legal tools to prosecute these crimes rather than relying on broader fraud statutes.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition specificity: The bill text isn't provided, so it's unclear how narrowly "benefit transfer device fraud" is defined—overly broad language could inadvertently criminalize legitimate activity or create unequal enforcement
  • Implementation burden: Law enforcement and prosecutors may need training on this new offense; unclear whether resources exist for investigation and prosecution
  • Existing law sufficiency: Critics may argue current fraud and theft statutes already cover these crimes, making a new offense redundant rather than filling a genuine legal gap

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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