US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US Federal House Bill HB734

Introduced
1/24/25  
Refer
1/24/25  

Caption

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.

Impact

The legislation is expected to enhance the level of accountability and responsiveness within the USDA concerning SNAP administrative practices. By allowing for public commentary, state agencies, advocates, and stakeholders will have an opportunity to influence policies that directly affect SNAP beneficiaries and the processes through which their eligibility and benefits are determined. This could lead to improvements in how quality control reviews are conducted, fostering a more stakeholder-centered approach in federal agricultural policies.

Summary

House Bill 734 aims to amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 by instituting a formal public notice and comment period regarding any new or updated guidance proposed by the Secretary of Agriculture pertaining to the quality control system of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The bill mandates that such guidance must be made available for at least 60 days for public input before finalization. This change is meant to increase transparency and stakeholder engagement in the oversight of SNAP, which is crucial for assessing and ensuring the program's integrity and effectiveness.

Contention

While supporters argue that this bill promotes necessary oversight and accountability for a program that affects millions of Americans, opposition may emerge from those who believe it introduces bureaucratic hurdles that could slow down necessary changes during urgent situations. Critics may also express concerns that the public comment period could lead to pressure that could hinder timely adjustments needed to address immediate challenges faced by SNAP and its administration. Balancing timely action with stakeholder involvement will be a critical aspect of the discussions surrounding HB 734.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB762

Snap Back Inaccurate SNAP Payments ActThis bill requires states to recoup any overpayments of benefits made to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients and adjusts the formula for determining a state's liability rate for overpayments.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. States that have comparatively high payment error rates for two consecutive years are assessed a penalty (i.e., liability amount). The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) must use a statutory formula to determine the liability amount.Under current law, FNS must set a tolerance level for excluding small payment errors in the calculation of payment error rates (e.g., $56 or less in FY2024). This bill reduces the tolerance level for excluding small errors to $0 for FY2025 and each succeeding fiscal year.The bill also requires state agencies to recoup any overpayments of benefits made to SNAP beneficiaries.The bill adjusts the liability rate formula to reduce the state payment error rate based on the percentage of overpayments recouped by the state. Further, the bill increases the multiplier used in the liability rate formula to 25% (from 10%).

US SB302

Snap Back Inaccurate SNAP Payments ActThis bill requires states to recoup any overpayments of benefits made to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients and adjusts the formula for determining a state's liability rate for overpayments.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. States that have comparatively high payment error rates for two consecutive years are assessed a penalty (i.e., liability amount). The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) must use a statutory formula to determine the liability amount.Under current law, FNS must set a tolerance level for excluding small payment errors in the calculation of payment error rates (e.g., $56 or less in FY2024). This bill reduces the tolerance level for excluding small errors to $0 for FY2025 and each succeeding fiscal year.The bill also requires state agencies to recoup any overpayments of benefits made to SNAP beneficiaries.The bill adjusts the liability rate formula to reduce the state payment error rate based on the percentage of overpayments recouped by the state. Further, the bill increases the multiplier used in the liability rate formula to 25% (from 10%).

US S09033

Establishes "SNAP for all", a state-funded supplemental nutrition assistance program to provide for those who are excluded from federal SNAP benefits solely due to immigration status; outlines eligibility requirements of applicants and operational requirements of the office of temporary and disability assistance.

US HB728

Expanding Head Start Eligibility Act of 2025This bill expands eligibility for Head Start programs to include the children of families eligible for specified public assistance programs. Specifically, the bill expands Head Start eligibility to include the children of families that qualify for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), and federal housing assistance (commonly known as Section 8). The bill also provides statutory authority for the eligibility of families that qualify for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Families that qualify for state-funded food assistance programs with eligibility standards identical or substantially similar to the standards for SNAP must also be eligible for Head Start. 

US S295

Revises SNAP application process to include certain notices, and certification and recertification requirements.

US S07754

Provides that applicants for or recipients of SNAP benefits shall not be subjected to finger imaging as a requirement of the supplemental nutrition assistance program.

US A11201

Amends provisions of law from making it mandatory to optional that where the purchase of services by state agencies be conducted in a manner that accords second priority to centralized contracts meeting form, function and utility required by such agency, third priority to agency or multi-agency contracts and fourth priority to other means of contracting.

US S09370

Amends provisions of law from making it mandatory to optional that where the purchase of services by state agencies be conducted in a manner that accords second priority to centralized contracts meeting form, function and utility required by such agency, third priority to agency or multi-agency contracts and fourth priority to other means of contracting.

US SCR105

Urging Governor Meyer To Submit A Waiver Request To The United States Department Of Agriculture To Prohibit The Use Of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (snap) Benefits For The Purchase Of Candy And Soda In Order To Advance Nutritional Goals And Improve Public Health Outcomes.

US S00665

Establishes a state SNAP minimum benefit program to provide a minimum amount of supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits that is higher than the amount of federal SNAP benefits.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.