Bills · HR 3887
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 3887Agriculture and Food
SNAP Anti-Theft and Victim Compensation Act of 2025
INTRO JUN 10· LAST ACTION JUN 10
READING
3MIN
COSPONSORS
0
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because electronic theft of SNAP benefits, such as through card skimming at checkout terminals, has become a significant problem, leaving vulnerable families without the funds they need to buy food. Currently, victims often have no recourse to get their stolen benefits back, exacerbating financial hardship and food insecurity. If this bill becomes law, it provides a crucial safety net for victims by allowing states to replace stolen benefits, directly addressing a pressing issue faced by many low-income households.
Additionally, the bill strengthens law enforcement's ability to proactively investigate and prosecute these sophisticated cybercrimes. Without this bill, the current patchwork of authorities and lack of a clear reimbursement mechanism mean that victims of SNAP theft may continue to suffer losses, and criminals may operate with less deterrence. By enhancing both victim protection and enforcement, the bill seeks to create a more secure and fair system for distributing essential food assistance.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Expands the investigative authority of the Department of Agriculture Inspector General to combat SNAP benefit theft, including cyber-enabled methods like skimming and phishing.
This provision equips federal investigators with more tools and coordination power to catch criminals stealing food assistance benefits through modern, often sophisticated, methods.
PROVISION 02
Authorizes states to use SNAP benefit funds to reimburse households whose benefits are stolen due to no fault of their own, such as through skimming or other unauthorized electronic transfers.
This directly protects vulnerable SNAP recipients by ensuring they can get their essential food money replaced if it is stolen, preventing them from going hungry.
PROVISION 03
Establishes a civil penalty requiring anyone who knowingly steals SNAP benefits to pay back twice the value of the benefits stolen.
This creates a financial deterrent against SNAP fraud and provides a source of funds to help offset the costs of victim reimbursement and enhanced investigations.
PROVISION 04
Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to provide technical assistance to states for fraud detection, maintain a centralized reporting database for theft incidents, and collect annual data on benefit theft and reimbursements.
This ensures consistent support for states in fighting fraud, improves data collection to understand the scope of the problem, and helps track the effectiveness of anti-theft measures.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 0
R· Iowa
YRS IN OFFICE
3
BILLS LED
61
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSJUN 10
Introduced in House
JUN 10
Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 3887
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedJun 10, 2025
Last actionJun 10, 2025
READER REACTIONS
OVERALL SENTIMENT
No reactions yet. Be the first to weigh in.
Discussion
Loading comments...
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JUN 10, 2025
House BillHR 3887Agriculture and Food
SNAP Anti-Theft and Victim Compensation Act of 2025
INTRODUCED JUN 10, 2025· LAST ACTION JUN 10, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
3 min
COSPONSORS
0
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
