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Bill

A 4102

Requires SNAP retailers to take measures to help prevent card skimming.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Linda Carter and 2 co-sponsors

NJ SNAP retailers must equip POS terminals with anti-skimming measures by Jan 31, 2027, or face escalating penalties and potential SNAP exclusion.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Children, Families and Food Security Committee
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 4102

Overview

This New Jersey bill, A-4102 (Session 222), would require SNAP retailers to implement measures at point-of-sale (POS) terminals to help prevent card skimming. It sets definitions, a compliance deadline, inspection authority, and penalties for violations, and authorizes rulemaking to implement the measure.

Main purpose and intent

  • To reduce card skimming risks at SNAP retailers by mandating POS-terminal protections.
  • To align retailer practices with efforts to protect SNAP participants’ payment card information.

Key provisions and changes

  • Definitions:

    • Card skimming: illegal installation of devices on POS terminals to access or store information from a payment card’s magnetic stripe without the user’s permission.
    • Payment card: includes SNAP EBT cards, credit cards, debit cards, and other cards used to obtain goods or services.
    • Scanning device: any device used to read or store card data from the magnetic stripe.
    • SNAP: the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

  • Compliance requirement:

    • Effective January 31, 2027, authorized New Jersey SNAP retailers that accept SNAP EBT cards must equip each POS terminal in their establishment with features or technology designed to help prevent card skimming, as determined by the Department of Human Services (DHS).

  • Enforcement and inspection:

    • DHS is authorized to inspect SNAP retailers to ensure compliance with the act.

  • Penalties:

    • Administrative penalties by the DHS Commissioner:
    • Up to $1,000 for the first violation.
    • Up to $3,000 for the second violation.
    • Up to $5,000 for each subsequent violation.
    • Retailers with four or more violations can be excluded from SNAP participation.

  • Rulemaking authority:

    • The DHS Commissioner may adopt rules and regulations under the Administrative Procedure Act to implement the act.

  • Effective date:

    • The act takes effect immediately, with the primary compliance deadline set for January 31, 2027.

Who is affected

  • Authorized New Jersey SNAP retailers that accept SNAP EBT payments at their establishments.
  • SNAP participants who use SNAP benefits at those retailers, indirectly affected through enhanced protection of card data.
  • DHS, which would enforce compliance, inspection, and penalties.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • Introduction and referral: February 19, 2026 (to Assembly Children, Families and Food Security Committee).
  • Compliance deadline: January 31, 2027.
  • Ongoing enforcement: inspections by DHS; penalties apply for violations; potential removal from SNAP for repeated violations.
  • Rulemaking: DHS may issue implementing regulations under the Administrative Procedure Act.

Considerations

  • Specific technologies or features to be used are not enumerated in the bill; DHS will define acceptable measures.
  • The bill establishes a tiered penalty structure and a potential exclusion from SNAP to incentivize compliance.
  • Immediate operational impact begins with the 2027 compliance date; retailers may prepare by upgrading POS security features and ensuring staff awareness.

This summary captures the bill’s purpose, main provisions, affected parties, and the key timelines and enforcement mechanisms.

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

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