To amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 with respect to the issuance of quality control guidance issued by the Secretary of Agriculture.
3/25/2025, 5:40 PMSummary of Bill HR 734
Bill 119 hr 734, also known as the "Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 Amendment," aims to make changes to the way quality control guidance is issued by the Secretary of Agriculture. The Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 is a key piece of legislation that governs the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families.The proposed amendment seeks to improve the quality control process within SNAP by requiring the Secretary of Agriculture to issue guidance that is clear, consistent, and easily understandable. This guidance is crucial for ensuring that SNAP benefits are distributed accurately and efficiently to those who are eligible for assistance.
By amending the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, this bill aims to enhance the overall effectiveness of the SNAP program and ensure that it continues to serve those in need. It is important to note that this bill is non-partisan and focuses solely on improving the administration of SNAP benefits. Overall, Bill 119 hr 734 represents a step towards enhancing the quality control process within the SNAP program and ensuring that eligible individuals and families receive the assistance they need.
Congressional Summary of HR 734
This bill requires the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide a notice and comment period prior to making certain substantive changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) quality control system, with exceptions.
As background, the SNAP quality control system measures how accurately SNAP state agencies determine a household’s eligibility and benefit amount and determines overpayments of benefits and underpayments. State agencies must conduct quality control reviews of their SNAP caseloads and report these findings to the USDA Food and Nutrition Service.
The bill requires USDA to provide a notice and public comment period of at least 60 days prior to finalizing any new or updated guidance that proposes substantive changes for conducting quality control reviews. This applies to any proposed guidance reasonably expected to require state agencies to make changes to systems, procedures, or staffing pertaining to quality control reviews or that impact verification requirements for SNAP recipients.
In the case of an urgent and immediate need, USDA may issue interim final guidance simultaneously with the notice and comment requirements.
