AN ACT CONCERNING PREVENTING FRAUD IN THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM AND EXPRESSLY EXTENDING FRAUD AND CORRUPTION PENALTIES TO PUBLIC SERVANTS.

This bill requires the Connecticut Commissioner of Social Services to upgrade electronic benefit transfer cards with security chip technology to help prevent fraud in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and other state benefit programs by July 1, 2026. The legislation also expands the definition of "public servant" to include unpaid advisors and consultants performing governmental functions, ensuring they are covered under state fraud and corruption laws. Additionally, the bill clarifies legal definitions for terms like "knowingly," "claim," and "material" in fraud-related statutes to improve consistency in how these offenses are prosecuted. A report on the implementation and effectiveness of the new security measures must be submitted to the legislature by January 1, 2027.