Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act This bill sets out a process to enable Puerto Rico to participate as a state in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Under current law, a state receives SNAP funding based on the number of participating households in the state whereas Puerto Rico receives a block grant to fund its nutrition assistance program. The bill requires Puerto Rico to submit to the Department of Agriculture (USDA) a plan of operation to transition away from the consolidated block grant program to SNAP. USDA must provide appropriate training and technical assistance to enable Puerto Rico to formulate such plan.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to categorize Puerto Rico alongside states in terms of eligibility for SNAP. This change could lead to improved funding levels for nutrition assistance in Puerto Rico by allowing the territory to receive federal funding based on the number of participating households rather than being limited to a block grant. The transition plan outlined in the bill mandates the submission of a detailed operational plan by Puerto Rico and stipulates that the Secretary of Agriculture will oversee the transition process, including providing necessary training and technical support.
Summary
House Bill 253, known as the Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act, aims to align the nutrition assistance program of Puerto Rico with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that is available to the states. Currently, Puerto Rico operates under a block grant system for nutrition assistance, which is significantly different from how SNAP functions in the states. The proposed bill facilitates a transition process that would allow Puerto Rico to implement SNAP, thereby potentially increasing funding and addressing food security issues more effectively.
Contention
Key points of contention surrounding HB 253 include concerns over the adequacy of support during the transition from the block grant system to SNAP. Critics might argue that moving to a state-like system could impose new requirements and bureaucracy on Puerto Rico, potentially complicating the delivery of services. Furthermore, there could be debates on the sufficiency of funding to cover all eligible households in Puerto Rico, as well as discussions on whether the transition would genuinely enhance food security or result in disruptions in existing services.
Opportunity To Address College Hunger Act This bill requires institutions of higher education (IHEs) that receive grants to operate work-study programs to notify a student receiving work-study assistance that the student may be eligible for participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The Department of Education must provide guidance to states and IHEs on how to identify and communicate with students who are potentially eligible for SNAP.
SNAP Theft Protection Act of 2023 This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish criteria for state agencies to identify Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits stolen by identity theft or typical skimming practices and provide for the reissuance of stolen SNAP benefits to households that meet such criteria. USDA must periodically review and modify its regulations to take into account evolving technology and the threat landscape to better protect against theft.
Urging the United States Congress to amend the list of allowable foods under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to eliminate sweetened drinks and snack foods of minimal nutritional value.
Reforms the organizational structure for the Department of Transportation and Development including its duties, powers, and responsibilities of officers and employees (EN INCREASE SD EX See Note)