AN ACT TO STUDY THE PREVENTION OF FRAUD IN THE EBT PROGRAM.
Whereas, The deferred operation of this act would tend to defeat its purpose, which is to study forthwith measures enacted to prevent fraud in the Massachusetts EBT cash assistance program, therefore, it is hereby declared to be an emergency law, necessary for the immediate preservation of the public convenience.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same as follows:
SECTION 1. Paragraph (B) of section 2 of chapter 18 of the General Laws, as amended by section 1 of chapter 161 of the acts of 2012, is hereby further amended by adding the following 2 clauses:-
(k) require the use of photo identification on the front of each newly issued and reissued electronic benefit transfer card for each cardholder who is over the age of 18; provided, however, that the department shall promulgate regulations to ensure that all authorized users and members of the household are able to use an electronic benefit transfer card pursuant to 7 U.S.C. section 2016(h)(9); provided further, that the department shall not require the use of photo identification for individuals who are 60 years of age or over, blind, disabled or victims of domestic violence; and provided, further, that in developing regulations for authorized users, the department shall consult with businesses or vendor associations whose members accept electronic benefit transfer cards as a form of payment including, but not limited to, the Massachusetts Food Association, the New England Convenience Store Association and the Retailers Association of Massachusetts.
(l) include the fraud hotline number and department website on all newly issued electronic benefit transfer cards.
SECTION 2. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, and pursuant to section 2 of chapter 18 of the General Laws, within 12 months of the effective date of this act, the department of transitional assistance shall replace all existing electronic benefit transfer cards with cards containing a photograph of the cardholder.
SECTION 3. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, and pursuant to section 2 of chapter 18 of the General Laws, within 6 months of the effective date of this act, the department of transitional assistance shall include on all new or reissued electronic benefit cards a photograph of the cardholder.Approved, August 7, 2013.