Requiring user photo on EBT cards

Senate Bill 59 requires all new Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards issued in West Virginia after June 1, 2025, to include a photograph of the cardholder to help combat fraud. This directly affects individuals receiving public assistance benefits (such as SNAP or TANF) who use EBT cards and the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, which issues the cards. The bill mandates that the state department submit a report to the legislature studying the feasibility of implementing photo EBT cards, including compliance with federal requirements and ensuring program access for households (e.g., allowing designated users to access benefits). It does not apply to existing EBT cards, only new issuances.