FAIR Act

This legislation, titled the "Food Assistance Integrity and Responsibility Act" or "FAIR Act," amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to introduce a mandatory photographic identification requirement for Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards used in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Under the proposed changes, each EBT card issued to a household or individual must display a recent photograph of the authorized cardholder, with specific age-based requirements for photo recency. This measure aims to ensure that benefits are redeemed only by the individual whose name and photograph appear on the card, although state agencies may issue individual cards to multiple authorized household members. A significant provision of the bill requires retail food stores and wholesale food concerns to verify the identity of EBT card users. Before completing a sale, retailers must demand to see and inspect the photograph on the EBT card to confirm the purchaser is the entitled cardholder, thereby preventing fraudulent purchases. The Secretary is also directed to establish reasonable accommodations for caregivers accessing benefits on behalf of minors, individuals with disabilities, or elderly individuals.