# States Assess Chip-Enabled SNAP Cards

An article argues that state SNAP programs should assess chip-enabled EBT cards as a potential way to reduce benefit theft and improve administration and access. It cites California’s reported 78% decline in monthly EBT theft from December 2024 to September 2025. Adoption would involve replacing cards, changing contracts, upgrading systems, and protecting eligible users from service disruptions; the article identifies no solicitation or funding commitment.

- States and their EBT contractors may need to evaluate card replacement, contract modifications, and system upgrades as connected procurement requirements.
- California’s reported results provide a data point for assessing potential fraud-reduction benefits, but procurement planning should also account for continuity of access for eligible SNAP recipients.
- Because no solicitation or funding is identified, contractors can treat this as a potential modernization trend rather than an active bid opportunity.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Information Technology
**Topics:** Digital Infrastructure
**Published:** October 22, 2026

### Government Entities
- State governments

### Sources
- [Chip reader technology for SNAP is a worthy investment - Nextgov/FCW](https://www.nextgov.com/ideas/2026/10/chip-reader-technology-snap-worthy-investment/416759) - Nextgov/FCW
- [Chip reader technology for SNAP is a worthy investment - Nextgov/FCW](https://www.fcw.com/ideas/2026/10/chip-reader-technology-snap-worthy-investment/416759) - Nextgov/FCW