HB 2214

Abstract

Amends the Administration Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Requires the Department of Human Services to track and collect data on the scope and frequency of SNAP benefits fraud in Illinois where a SNAP recipient's benefits are stolen from the recipient's electronic benefits transfer card by means of card skimming, card cloning, or some other similar fraudulent method. Requires the Department to specifically keep a record of every report made to the Department by a SNAP recipient alleging the theft of benefits due to no fault of the recipient, the benefit amount stolen, and, if practicable, how those stolen benefits were used and the location of those thefts. Requires the Department to report its findings to the General Assembly on a quarterly basis beginning in calendar year 2024. Provides that a SNAP recipient's personally identifiable information shall be excluded from the reports consistent with State and federal privacy protections; and that each quarterly report shall be posted on the Department's official website. Provides that if the Department determines that a SNAP recipient has made a substantiated report of stolen benefits due to card skimming, card cloning, or some other similar fraudulent method, the Department shall refer the matter to the Attorney General and shall provide any assistance to the Attorney General in the prosecution of the alleged theft or fraud. House Floor Amendment No. 4 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Administration Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that subject to appropriation, the Department of Human Services shall replace federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits that were stolen from a recipient's electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card by means of card skimming, card cloning, or some other similar fraudulent method during the period January 1, 2022 through September 30, 2022 using State funds and by procedures that align with those set forth in the State Plan submitted to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service in accordance with the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, Public Law 117-328. Provides that the Department of Human Services shall replace SNAP benefits that were stolen from a recipient's EBT card by means of the previously listed fraudulent methods during the period October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2024 under the State Plan submitted to and approved by the federal Food and Nutrition Service in accordance with the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, Public Law 117-328. Provides that subject to appropriation, the Department of Human Services shall replace cash assistance provided under the Aid to the Aged, Blind or Disabled (AABD) program that was stolen from a recipient's EBT card by means of the previously listed fraudulent methods during the period January 1, 2022 through September 30, 2024. Permits the Department to adopt any rules necessary to implement these requirements, including rules on how to accept and substantiate recipient claims for stolen benefits. Provides that, where possible, the rules for accepting and substantiating claims shall be consistent with the State Plan for SNAP replacement submitted in accordance with the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, Public Law 117-328. Requires the Department to track and collect data on the scope and frequency of SNAP benefits fraud in this State. Requires the Department to report its findings to the General Assembly on an annual basis beginning on January 1, 2024. Requires the Department to refer any matter concerning stolen SNAP benefits to the State's Attorney who has jurisdiction over the alleged theft or fraud. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Administration Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Requires the Department of Human Services to track and collect data on the scope and frequency of SNAP benefits fraud in Illinois where a SNAP recipient's benefits are stolen from the recipient's electronic benefits transfer card by means of card skimming, card cloning, or some other similar fraudulent method. Requires the Department to specifically keep a record of every report made to the Department by a SNAP recipient alleging the theft of benefits due to no fault of the recipient, the benefit amount stolen, and, if practicable, how those stolen benefits were used and the location of those thefts. Requires the Department to report its findings to the General Assembly on a quarterly basis beginning in calendar year 2024. Provides that a SNAP recipient's personally identifiable information shall be excluded from the reports consistent with State and federal privacy protections; and that each quarterly report shall be posted on the Department's official website. Provides that if the Department determines that a SNAP recipient has made a substantiated report of stolen benefits due to card skimming, card cloning, or some other similar fraudulent method, the Department shall refer the matter to the Attorney General and shall provide any assistance to the Attorney General in the prosecution of the alleged theft or fraud.