FAIR Act

The FAIR Act requires all SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefit cards to display a photo of the cardholder - taken within the last 10 years for adults or 5 years for minors - and mandates retailers to verify that the photo matches the person using the card at checkout. This directly affects SNAP recipients (who must provide photos for card issuance) and retailers (who must inspect photos before accepting benefits). Exceptions allow caregivers to access benefits for minors, disabled individuals, or the elderly. The rule changes take effect 18 months after enactment, with federal regulations to be updated within 18 months of the law’s passage.