Tennessee House Bill HB2406

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/24
• Refer: 2/1/24
• Refer: 3/26/24
• Refer: 4/3/24
• Chaptered: 5/31/24
• Passed: 5/31/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 71, relative to food assistance.

Impact

If passed, HB2406 would have a significant impact on the administrative aspects of food assistance programs managed by the state. By requiring the department to submit waivers to alleviate regulatory barriers, the legislation seeks to streamline processes that could be bogged down by bureaucracy. Furthermore, a report mandated by the bill would provide transparency and suggestions for potential statutory changes necessary to improve overall efficiency, thus fostering a more responsive food assistance system.

Summary

House Bill 2406 aims to amend provisions related to food assistance by enhancing the efficiency of application processing and benefit delivery within the program. The bill mandates the Tennessee Department of Human Services to identify any federal regulations or state laws that hinder timely reviews and approvals of food assistance applications. This is a key step in ensuring that beneficiaries receive the support they need promptly and without unnecessary delays.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB2406 appears predominantly positive, particularly among proponents of increased government efficiency and welfare reform. Various stakeholders believe that by addressing regulatory impediments, the bill could enhance the delivery of critical social services. However, there may be concerns regarding the implications of federal waivers and whether such measures could undermine existing protections or standards in food assistance programs.

Contention

Notable points of contention mainly revolve around the restructuring of state roles in overseeing food assistance. Critics may argue that increasing reliance on federal waivers could lead to inconsistencies in service delivery and potential loss of local control. Moreover, some stakeholders are cautious about how potential changes might affect the quality and accessibility of food assistance for low-income populations, advocating instead for a careful evaluation of existing processes before implementation of new regulations.