Reps. Rader and Deeter Celebrate the Passage of the Enhanced Cybersecurity for SNAP Act of 2025 Through the House

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Tristan W. Rader (D–Lakewood) and State Rep. Kellie Deeter (R–Norwalk) today celebrated the unanimous passage of HB 163 through the Ohio House of Representatives.
 
HB 163 represents a bipartisan effort to protect the 1.4 million Ohioans on SNAP from a preventable form of theft by adding an encrypted chip to EBT cards. “Skimming” is a form of theft that occurs when the information and PIN number of a card is captured at a store checkout. Encryption can prevent most incidents of skimming.

“This is a simple, necessary, and highly impactful step to protecting some of the most vulnerable Ohioans,” said Rep. Rader. “The cost of preventing this theft pales in comparison to the magnitude of loss suffered by seniors, disabled people, and low-income families.”  

Between June 2023 and December 2024, $17 million in SNAP benefits have been stolen from over 34,000 Ohio households. An especially troubling statistic now that the federal government will no longer be reimbursing benefits to victims of theft.

“House Bill 163 is a commonsense step to better protect Ohio families and taxpayer dollars. Criminals are increasingly using skimming devices to steal SNAP benefits from vulnerable Ohioans, often leaving families without access to funds they depend on for food and basic necessities.” said Rep. Deeter. “By transitioning EBT cards to more secure chip technology, we can significantly reduce fraud, safeguard benefits for those who need them, and strengthen public confidence in the integrity of these programs. I am proud to support a solution that protects both beneficiaries and taxpayers."

HB 163 appropriates $2.25M from the general revenue fund and $750,000 in federal funding to support the transition to chip-enabled cards.

A Senate companion bill, SB 315, has passed the Senate and currently awaits a first hearing in the House Finance Committee.