How HR 6457 changes current law

Compared against current U.S. Code AI-generated reading aid — verify against the official bill.

The bill requires electronic benefit transfer cards to include a photograph of the authorized cardholder and mandates retailers to verify the identity of the cardholder during transactions.

• 7 U.S.C. 2016(h)(9)

  (9) Photo identification on electronic benefit transfer cards.-- (A) Requirement.--Each Electronic Benefit Transfer card issued to a household or individual under this chapter shall include on the face of the card a photographic image taken within the previous ten years, or in the case of a minor taken within the previous five years, of the authorized cardholder to whom the card is issued. (B) Limitation on use of electronic benefit transfer cards.--An individual authorized to utilize or redeem benefits through an Electronic Benefit Transfer card under this chapter shall redeem such benefits only through an Electronic Benefit Transfer card bearing the name and photograph of such individual cardholder. (C) Issuance of additional electronic benefit transfer cards.--For households in which benefits are accessed by more than one household member, a State agency may issue individual cards to each household member who is authorized to access benefits, including the name and photograph of an individual authorized to access benefits. (D) Exception for caregivers.--The Secretary shall establish procedures for reasonable accommodations to allow caregivers of a minor, individual with disabilities, or an elderly individual to access benefits on behalf of a recipient in their care.

  This adds a requirement for photographs on EBT cards to enhance identification and reduce fraud.

• 7 U.S.C. 2018(a)

  (iv) information related to the ability of a retailer to verify the identity of the holder of an electronic benefit transfer card to prevent fraudulent purchases;

  This addition requires that identity verification capabilities be considered in the authorization of retailers.

• 7 U.S.C. 2018(a)(5)

  As a condition of authorization to accept or redeem benefits under this chapter, a retail food store or wholesale food concern, before making a sale, shall demand to see, and shall inspect, the photograph located on an Electronic Benefit Transfer card for every customer using an Electronic Benefit Transfer card to ensure the purchaser is entitled to utilize or redeem benefits under this chapter.

  This mandates retailers to check the photograph on EBT cards to confirm the identity of customers.

• 7 U.S.C. 2016(h)(2)(C)(i)

  photographic identification on electronic benefit transfer cards,

  This change removes a previous provision for photographic identification that may conflict with the new requirements added for EBT cards.

• Within 18 months of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall make such conforming changes to the Code of Federal Regulations as are necessary to implement the amendments made by this Act.

  This establishes a timeframe for the Secretary to update regulations to comply with new requirements.

• This Act, and amendments made by this Act, shall take effect 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act.

  This sets an effective date for the changes introduced by the bill.