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HD 2802

An Act to replace stolen benefits

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by James Arena-DeRosa and 4 co-sponsors

Massachusetts would promptly replace the full amount of EBT benefits stolen by fraud when federal funds do not cover the loss, protecting recipients.

Senate concurred
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HD 2802

Summary: An Act to replace stolen benefits (HD 2802)

Overview

  • Bill number: HD 2802 (House Docket No. 2802; House No. 254)
  • Title: An Act to replace stolen benefits
  • Status: Senate concurred (advancement toward enactment)
  • Introduced: February 27, 2025
  • Sponsor: Representative Sally P. Kerans (along with additional petitioners)

Purpose and intent

The bill would require the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to promptly replace the full amount of financial assistance or nutrition benefits that are stolen from recipients through electronic benefit transfer (EBT) fraud. This includes fraud methods such as card skimming, card cloning, and organized identity theft schemes. The replacement would be made to the extent that federal funds do not cover the loss. The goal is to ensure recipients are not financially harmed by theft of their benefits and to provide a clear state-level replacement obligation when federal funds fall short.

Key provisions and changes

  • Adds a new Subsection (t) to Chapter 18, Section B of the General Laws.
  • Mandates prompt replacement of the full amount of benefits stolen through EBT fraud (e.g., skimming, cloning, identity theft, organized schemes).
  • Replacement is contingent on the federal government failing to provide funds to replace stolen benefits; if federal funds are available, those funds would presumably apply.
  • Replacements must be made for thefts that are reported to, or identified by, the state Department responsible for administering the benefits, following procedures for making and verifying replacement claims established by the department.

Who is affected

  • Recipients of financial assistance and nutrition benefits delivered via EBT in Massachusetts.
  • Beneficiaries whose benefits are stolen through fraud (including skimming, cloning, and identity theft).
  • The state Department administering these benefits, which would administer the replacement claims process consistent with the new subsection.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • The bill was introduced in early 2025 and referred to the Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.
  • The Senate has concurred with the House version, indicating alignment between chambers and movement toward enactment, with final steps including potential passage by both chambers and signature by the Governor.

Legislative context

  • Bill title and sponsor information cited in the petitioning documents.
  • The text specifically appears to modify general welfare and benefits provisions by codifying a state-level duty to replace stolen benefits when federal funds are not available.

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

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