CT SB00480

Commissioner of Social Services must upgrade electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards with security chip technology that generates unique, one-time encrypted codes for each transaction to prevent fraud in SNAP and other benefit programs, effective July 1, 2026

Commissioner must submit a report to the Human Services committee by January 1, 2027 on implementation of the new chip technology and any measurable effects on fraud prevention

Expands the definition of "person" under state False Claims Act provisions to explicitly include public servants, making them subject to liability for fraudulent claims against the state

Expands the definition of "public servant" in state corruption statutes to include federal government officers and employees, subjecting them to Connecticut laws on corrupt practices affecting Medicaid and other state programs

All provisions take effect July 1, 2026