Ohio Lawmakers Aim to Bolster SNAP Cybersecurity
Ohio Lawmakers Aim to Bolster SNAP Cybersecurity
Publish Date: 2026-03-21 17:26:00
Source Domain: nationaltoday.com
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Ohio legislators are working to enhance the cybersecurity of the state’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by transitioning from magnetic strip EBT cards to more secure chip-enabled cards. Senate Bill 315 and House Bill 163 both aim to address the growing problem of ‘skimming’ devices that can steal SNAP recipients’ card data, with the goal of reducing fraud and protecting vulnerable Ohioans.
Why it matters
SNAP is a critical food assistance program relied upon by millions of low-income Ohioans. The proposed legislation seeks to modernize the program’s technology and improve its security, which could help prevent fraud, protect beneficiaries, and ensure taxpayer funds are used as intended.
The details
The bills would require Ohio to replace the current magnetic strip SNAP cards with chip-enabled cards, which are more resistant to skimming devices used by criminals to steal card data. The transition is expected to ‘eliminate most of the SNAP fraud problem overnight,’ according to Rep. Tristan Rader. The legislation would also make it easier for SNAP recipients to report suspected fraud to the state. Funding of around $10.6 million is proposed to cover the card replacement costs, with a deadline to act before federal assistance ends later this year.
- The Ohio Legislature is currently considering Senate Bill 315 and House Bill 163 to address SNAP cybersecurity.
- The federal government is providing funding to help states transition to more secure SNAP cards, but that assistance is set to expire later in 2026.
The players
Tim Schaffer
Republican state senator from Lancaster who has introduced Senate Bill 315.
Hearcel Craig
Democratic state senator from Columbus who has co-sponsored Senate Bill 315.
Tristan Rader
Democratic state representative from Lakewood who is sponsoring House Bill 163.
Kellie Deeter
Republican state representative…
