The Public Benefits Security Amendment Act of 2025 aims to enhance the security of public assistance benefits in the District of Columbia by transitioning from magnetic stripe electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards to more secure microchipped EBT cards utilizing EMV technology. This change is intended to significantly reduce the incidence of benefits theft, which has been a growing issue, with over $2 million reported stolen in Fiscal Year 2024 alone. The Department of Human Services (DHS) is mandated to complete this transition by October 1, 2027, and to educate both retailers and recipients about the new system. Additionally, the bill requires DHS to restore public assistance to residents whose benefits are lost due to theft, ensuring that those affected are compensated in a timely manner.

The legislation includes specific provisions for the restoration of stolen benefits, stating that if a recipient reports theft within two years, DHS must investigate and restore the lost assistance if it was correctly issued. The bill also prohibits DHS from requiring a police report for restoration and allows recipients to dispute decisions regarding the restoration of benefits. This comprehensive approach not only aims to prevent theft through technological upgrades but also ensures that residents have a clear path to recover their lost benefits, thereby supporting the most vulnerable populations in the District.