Hoffmann (HB 1062) Act No. 533
New 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 Department 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 Louisiana Retailers Association or his designee.
(4)The president of the Louisiana 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 Louisiana Food Bank Association or his designee.
New 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.
New 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 new law shall terminate on
March 1, 2015.
Effective Aug. 1, 2014.
(Adds R.S. 46:311-313)