This bill amends Chapter 2, Title 56 of the Idaho Code by adding a new section, 56-211A, which establishes provisions for photographic verification for electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards used in the federal food stamp program. By January 1, 2026, the Department of Health and Welfare is required to issue new EBT cards with photographic identification for recipients, ensuring that authorized users in the household can still access benefits. Additionally, the department must develop a strategy to replace all existing EBT cards without photographs within 18 months for participating households and coordinate with the Idaho Transportation Department to minimize implementation costs.

The bill also outlines exceptions to the photographic requirement for certain households, including those without adult members, where all adult members are over 60, blind, disabled, victims of domestic violence, or have religious objections to being photographed. Furthermore, if a household requests multiple replacement cards within a year, the department is mandated to refer the case for investigation. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, due to an emergency declaration.