Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Williams bipartisan bill to protect SNAP benefits unanimously passes House

Williams bipartisan bill to protect SNAP benefits unanimously passes House

Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus    June 15, 2026 | 3:29 PM

HARRISBURG, June 15 – Today, the state House of Representatives unanimously passed critical bipartisan legislation sponsored by Rep. Dan Williams, D-Chester, and Rep. Doyle Heffley, R-Carbon, to reduce theft of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.

House Bill 2540 would transition the Electronic Benefit Transfer access cards Pennsylvanians use to access their SNAP benefits to chip-enabled cards by Jan. 1, 2028.

“Currently, families are having their benefits stolen at alarming rates because EBT access cards lack chip-enabled technology to protect Pennsylvanians against skimming devices,” Williams said. “We must act now to maximize federal funds and ensure benefits are used as intended: putting food on the table for Pennsylvanians in need, not in the pockets of criminals.”

Williams, who serves as the majority chairman of the House Human Services Committee, worked extensively with Heffley, the committee’s minority chair, to introduce the legislation and get it through the House with bipartisan support.

“I’m proud to work in a bipartisan manner along with Rep. Williams on this bill,” Heffley said. “This legislation will help improve the security of access cards and reduce fraud and abuse. This is a necessary step to protect taxpayer dollars and ensure public assistance benefits reach those who truly need them.”

Williams explained that the bill modernizes the EBT system using proven payment technology already widely adopted by banks and retailers, helping ensure benefit delivery remains secure, reliable and aligned with current industry standards.

House Bill 2540 now heads to the state Senate for consideration.