Enhanced Cybersecurity for SNAP Act of 2026
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (26 Feb 2026): Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
What this bill does
The "Enhanced Cybersecurity for SNAP Act of 2026" would require the U.S. Department of Agriculture to create new regulations for the cybersecurity and digital services related to Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards used for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). These regulations would aim to update security measures for EBT cards and mobile technologies to match private sector and other federal agency standards. The bill also mandates that states begin issuing chip-enabled EBT cards within two years of the regulations becoming final, phasing out magnetic stripe cards.
This bill affects SNAP participants by potentially improving the security of their benefits and offering more ways to manage their accounts, including through mobile-friendly interfaces and electronic transaction notices. It also affects state agencies administering SNAP, as they would be required to implement these new regulations, including upgrading to chip-enabled EBT cards and payment terminals. Retailers participating in SNAP would also need to ensure their payment terminals are chip-enabled.
The bill was introduced in the Senate on February 26, 2026, and has been referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. As it has just been introduced, it would next need to be considered by the committee, potentially undergo amendments, and then be voted on by the full Senate. If passed by the Senate, it would then move to the House of Representatives for consideration.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Timeline
26 Feb 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
Common questions
- What does S. 3949 do?
- The "Enhanced Cybersecurity for SNAP Act of 2026" would require the U.S. Department of Agriculture to create new regulations for the cybersecurity and digital services related to Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards used for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). These regulations would aim to update security measures for EBT cards and mobile technologies to match private sector and other federal agency standards. The bill also mandates that states begin issuing chip-enabled EBT cards within two years of the regulations becoming final, phasing out magnetic stripe cards. This bill affects SNAP participants by potentially improving the security of their benefits and offering more ways to manage their accounts, including through mobile-friendly interfaces and electronic transaction notices. It also affects state agencies administering SNAP, as they would be required to implement these new regulations, including upgrading to chip-enabled EBT cards and payment terminals. Retailers participating in SNAP would also need to ensure their payment terminals are chip-enabled. The bill was introduced in the Senate on February 26, 2026, and has been referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. As it has just been introduced, it would next need to be considered by the committee, potentially undergo amendments, and then be voted on by the full Senate. If passed by the Senate, it would then move to the House of Representatives for consideration.
- Has S. 3949 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 3949. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 3949?
- S. 3949 was sponsored by Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR] (D-OR), with 11 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 3949?
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. (26 Feb 2026).
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