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SD 1165

An Act relative to the security of electronic benefit transfer cards

194th Legislature (2025-2026)

Requires a clear photo on each EBT card and identity verification by DTA using a valid U.S. passport, Social Security card, or Massachusetts driver’s license.

House concurred
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Bill Summary · SD 1165

Summary: Senate Bill SD 1165 – An Act relative to the security of electronic benefit transfer cards

Overview

SD 1165 is a Massachusetts bill proposed in the 194th General Court (2025-2026) that aims to strengthen the security of Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards. The bill would amend Chapter 18 of the General Laws to require EBT cards to include a clear photo of the authorized user and to require the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) to verify identity using specified documents. The bill was introduced on March 10, 2025, and, per the latest status, has been referred to a committee and the House has concurred.

What the bill would do

  • Add a new Section 5O to Chapter 18, after existing section 5L.
  • Require that all electronic benefit transfer cards include a clear photo of the authorized user.
  • Require DTA to verify identity of EBT card recipients using one of the following documents: a valid U.S. passport, a Social Security card, or a Massachusetts driver’s license.

Key provisions

  • Section 5O: Electronic Benefit Transfer Cards; Photo Identification Requirement.
    • Mandates a clear photo on every EBT card for the authorized user.
    • Establishes identity verification by DTA via one of three documents:
    • valid U.S. passport, or
    • Social Security card, or
    • Massachusetts driver’s license.

Who is affected

  • Recipients of EBT benefits administered by the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA), including individuals and households receiving benefits through programs that utilize EBT cards (e.g., SNAP benefits).
  • DTA, which would implement and oversee the photo-ID requirement and identity verification process.

Implementation and timeline

  • Legislative history indicates introduction on March 10, 2025.
  • The bill was referred to the committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities on March 10, 2025.
  • The House has concurred on the measure, indicating advancement through the legislative process.
  • The text excerpt does not specify an explicit effective date; details on implementation timing would depend on final passage and any specified effective date in the enacted version.

Legislative status and context

  • Bill Number: SD 1165
  • Title: An Act relative to the security of electronic benefit transfer cards
  • Status: House concurred
  • Filed: January 15, 2025
  • Introduced by: Sen. Kelly A. Dooner (with other sponsors)
  • Committee: Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Security: Enhanced protection against misuse and identity fraud by tying EBT cards to verifiable photos and requiring identity checks.
  • Accessibility and practicality: Recipients must have access to one of the specified identity documents; potential challenges for individuals without readily available documentation.
  • Privacy and implementation: Additional data (photos and ID verification) will be centralized through DTA; considerations may include privacy, data security, and administrative workload.
  • Fiscal impact: The summary does not specify a cost analysis; implementing photo IDs and verification could involve administrative costs and IT/system updates.

If you’d like, I can add a quick comparison to similar EBT security measures in other states or outline potential implementation steps for DTA.

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

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