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Prepared by Christopher D. Adams.
Hoffmann HB No. 1062
(KEYWORD, SUMMARY, AND DIGEST as amended by Senate committee
amendments)
SNAP/FOOD STAMPS: Provides for a task force to make recommendations
concerning electronic issuance of SNAP benefits
DIGEST
Abstract: Provides for a task force to study and make recommendations to the Dept. of
Children and Family Services concerning electronic issuance of Supplemental
Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
Proposed law establishes a task force to study and make recommendations concerning
policies, procedures, and technical processes relative to electronic disbursement of
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits by the Dept. of Children and
Family Services (DCFS). Provides that the task force shall be composed of the following
12 members:
(1)Two members appointed by the commissioner of administration, at least one of
whom shall be an employee in the office of information technology.
(2)Two members appointed by the secretary of DCFS, at least one of whom shall be an
employee in the division of programs of the department.
(3)The executive director of the La. Retailers Association or his designee.
(4)The president of the La. Association of Business and Industry or his designee.
(5)The vice president of public affairs of the National Grocers Association or his
designee.
(6)One member of the House of Representatives appointed by the speaker of the House.
(7)One member of the Senate appointed by the president of the Senate.
(8)One member representing the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center
appointed by the vice president of agriculture.
(9)One member representing the Southern University Agricultural Center appointed by
the chancellor of the center.
(10)The executive director of the La. Food Bank Association or his designee.
Proposed law provides that the purposes of the task force include the following:
(1)To study on an ongoing basis the policies, procedures, and technical processes by
which DCFS disburses SNAP benefits electronically.
(2)To consider the impact on Louisiana families and businesses of prospective policy
changes relative to the disbursement schedule for SNAP benefits.
(3)To keep abreast of changes in federal laws and regulations which relate in any
manner to electronic issuance of public benefits.
(4)To make recommendations to the secretary of the DCFS, on a schedule determined
by the chairman, concerning innovations in electronic benefits issuance policies and
systems. Page 2 of 2
Prepared by Christopher D. Adams.
Proposed law provides that the task force shall convene on or before Sept. 1, 2014, and that
the secretary of DCFS shall call the first meeting. Provides that proposed law shall terminate
on March 1, 2015.
(Adds R.S. 46:311-313)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Health and Welfare to the
original bill.
1. Added the executive director of the Louisiana Food Bank Association or his
designee as a member of the task force provided for in proposed law.
2. Added provision requiring the task force to convene on or before Sept. 1, 2014.
3. Changed termination date of task force from Sept. 1, 2017 to Sept. 1, 2015.
Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on House and Governmental
Affairs to the engrossed bill.
1. Adds provisions specifying that the member representing the Louisiana State
University Agricultural Center is to be appointed by the vice president for
agriculture.
2. Adds provisions specifying that the member representing the Southern University
Agricultural Center is to be appointed by the chancellor of the center.
3. Adds provisions providing that the secretary of the DCFS calls the first meeting
of the task force.
House Floor Amendments to the reengrossed bill.
1. Corrected citation.
2. Clarified that the members of the task force shall elect a chairman at the first
meeting.
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Health and Welfare to the
re-reengrossed bill
1. Changes the termination date for the task force from September 1, 2015 to March
1, 2015.