Summary of Bill S 1779: EBT Card Replacement Program

Bill Number: S 1779

Title: Establishes an EBT Card Replacement Program

Status: Referred to Social Services

Introduced: January 13, 2025

Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 1779 aims to establish a program for the replacement of Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards. The primary intent of this legislation is to streamline the process for individuals who have lost or had their EBT cards stolen, ensuring that they can quickly regain access to their benefits without undue hardship.

Key Provisions

The bill outlines several important provisions:

• Replacement Process: The bill mandates the creation of a standardized process for replacing lost or stolen EBT cards. This process is designed to be efficient and user-friendly, minimizing the time beneficiaries must wait to receive a new card.

• Eligibility Criteria: The legislation specifies who qualifies for a replacement card, ensuring that all individuals receiving benefits through EBT are covered under this program.

• Timelines: The bill sets forth timelines for processing replacement requests, aiming to ensure that beneficiaries receive their new cards within a specified period after reporting a loss or theft.

• Outreach and Education: The bill includes provisions for outreach efforts to inform beneficiaries about the replacement program, including how to report lost or stolen cards and the steps to obtain a replacement.

Who Would Be Affected

The primary beneficiaries of this bill are individuals and families who rely on EBT cards for accessing food assistance and other benefits. This includes:

• Low-income households
• Individuals facing financial hardship
• Vulnerable populations who may be at risk of losing access to essential services due to lost or stolen cards

Procedural Aspects

• Current Status: As of January 13, 2025, the bill has been referred to the Social Services Committee for further consideration.

• Related Legislation: This bill is related to prior-session Bill S 9296 and has a companion bill, A 5742, which may provide additional context or support for the proposed measures.

Conclusion

Bill S 1779 represents a significant step toward improving the accessibility and reliability of EBT benefits for vulnerable populations. By establishing a clear and efficient replacement program for EBT cards, the legislation seeks to reduce barriers faced by beneficiaries and ensure they can maintain access to essential resources. Further discussions and evaluations by the Social Services Committee will determine the bill's future and potential implementation.