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HB 4746

Human services: food assistance; chip-enabled bridge cards; require. Amends 1939 PA 280 (MCL 400.1 - 400.119b) by adding sec. 14n.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Brian BeGole and 2 co-sponsors

DHHS must issue chip-enabled Michigan Bridge Cards for SNAP/cash aid within 1 year, follow federal law/ASC X9, and continuously upgrade security, boosting recipient protection.

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Bill Summary · HB 4746

HB 4746 — Require chip-enabled Michigan Bridge Cards (2025)

Summary / Purpose

House Bill 4746 would amend the Social Welfare Act to require the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to issue chip-enabled Michigan Bridge Cards (EBT cards) to recipients of food assistance (SNAP) or cash assistance. The mandate includes compliance with federal law and applicable industry security standards published by Accredited Standards Committee X9, and (as passed by the House) requires DHHS to continuously upgrade the Bridge Card with future enhanced security features that replace or complement chip technology.

Key provisions

  • Adds new section 14n to the Social Welfare Act (MCL 400.1–400.119b).
  • Requires DHHS, not later than 1 year after the bill’s effective date, to issue chip-enabled Bridge Cards to recipients of food or cash assistance.
  • Requires issuance to be subject to and in accordance with federal law and in compliance with ASC X9 industry standards.
  • As passed by the House (H‑4), directs DHHS to continuously upgrade cards with future security enhancements.

Who is affected

  • Primary: Current and future recipients of Michigan food assistance (SNAP) and cash assistance programs who use Michigan Bridge Cards.
  • State agencies: DHHS (operational/system changes), DHHS Office of Inspector General (fraud investigation workload), retailers accepting Bridge Cards.
  • State budget: General fund and federal SNAP administrative match (per fiscal impact rules).

Fiscal impact and timeline

  • One-time and ongoing costs are indeterminate but likely moderate. Estimated total implementation costs (based on other states and Michigan’s caseload ~757,000 households) are roughly $11.0–$17.0 million.
  • Costs include mass reissuance of cards, system and technology upgrades, client/retailer notifications, and ongoing issuance/operations.
  • Cost sharing: through FY 2025–26, estimated 50% general fund / 50% federal SNAP administrative match. Due to recent statutory changes (the One Big Beautiful Bill Act), starting FY 2026–27 the split would shift to 75% general fund / 25% federal.
  • Potential savings from reduced fraud are indeterminate and likely minimal in the near term; some operational savings possible via reduced fraud investigations and fewer unpin (unblock) requests.

Rationale and potential effects

  • Rationale: Chip technology is more resistant to skimming/cloning and certain phishing-related thefts than magnetic-stripe cards; proponents argue it better protects recipients and reduces taxpayer loss.
  • Effects: Improved card security for beneficiaries; operational implementation burden and short-to-medium-term state costs; uncertain net fiscal savings from reduced fraud.

Procedural status (selected)

  • Introduced March 13, 2025; passed the House with immediate effect on September 3, 2025 (substitute H‑4 adopted).
  • Referred to Senate Committee on Housing and Human Services.
  • Companion bill: SB 557.

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

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