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, while 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.

Certain exemptions are provided under this new section, allowing households without adult members, those with all adult members aged 60 or older, households with blind or disabled adult members, victims of domestic violence, or those with religious objections to photography to opt out of the photographic requirement, provided they have consent from authorized users. Furthermore, if a household requests multiple replacement cards within a year, the department is mandated to refer the case for investigation. The bill declares an emergency, making it effective from July 1, 2025.