Ensuring Fee-Free Benefit Transactions Act of 2025
Latest action (26 Jun 2025): Introduced
What this bill does
H.R. 4158, the Ensuring Fee-Free Benefit Transactions Act of 2025, would amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to permanently bar states and their agents or contractors from charging retailers fees for processing SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) electronic benefit transfer transactions, including fees related to switching or routing benefit payments. An exception would remain for costs tied to equipment rentals. The bill would supersede an earlier, temporary fee moratorium established under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, making that prohibition permanent rather than time-limited.
The change would primarily affect state agencies that administer SNAP, along with the contractors and subcontractors that process EBT transactions, and SNAP-authorized retailers who accept these benefits. By eliminating transaction fees on such retailers, the bill is intended to keep the costs of processing SNAP payments from being passed on in ways that could affect stores or benefit delivery. SNAP recipients are indirectly affected as beneficiaries of the payment system being addressed.
The bill was introduced on June 26, 2025, by Rep. Shontel Brown, with a cosponsor, and referred to the House Committee on Agriculture. It has not yet been voted on by the committee or the full House. If enacted, it would take effect October 1, 2025. Further committee action, floor votes in the House and Senate, and presidential signature would be required before it could become law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill is in the first stage of the legislative process. It was introduced into Congress on June 26, 2025. It will typically be considered by committee next before it is possibly sent on to the House or Senate as a whole.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 4158 do?
- H.R. 4158, the Ensuring Fee-Free Benefit Transactions Act of 2025, would amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to permanently bar states and their agents or contractors from charging retailers fees for processing SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) electronic benefit transfer transactions, including fees related to switching or routing benefit payments. An exception would remain for costs tied to equipment rentals. The bill would supersede an earlier, temporary fee moratorium established under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, making that prohibition permanent rather than time-limited. The change would primarily affect state agencies that administer SNAP, along with the contractors and subcontractors that process EBT transactions, and SNAP-authorized retailers who accept these benefits. By eliminating transaction fees on such retailers, the bill is intended to keep the costs of processing SNAP payments from being passed on in ways that could affect stores or benefit delivery. SNAP recipients are indirectly affected as beneficiaries of the payment system being addressed. The bill was introduced on June 26, 2025, by Rep. Shontel Brown, with a cosponsor, and referred to the House Committee on Agriculture. It has not yet been voted on by the committee or the full House. If enacted, it would take effect October 1, 2025. Further committee action, floor votes in the House and Senate, and presidential signature would be required before it could become law.
- Has H.R. 4158 become law?
- Not yet. As of 26 Jun 2025, H.R. 4158 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 4158?
- H.R. 4158 was sponsored by Rep. Shontel Brown [D-OH11] (Democrat-OH), with 7 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 4158?
- Introduced (26 Jun 2025).
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