H.R. 5860: SNAP BACK Act.

This bill, known as the SNAP BACK Act, aims to ensure that funds for specific nutrition assistance programs are released and managed without interruption, particularly during periods when appropriations are not enacted for the Department of Agriculture.

Key Provisions

Funding Appropriation

Beginning in fiscal year 2026, if there are no enacted appropriations for the Department of Agriculture, the bill requires that sufficient funds be allocated to guarantee ongoing benefits for:

1. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), as established under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008.
2. The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), created by the Child Nutrition Act of 1966.

Immediate Fund Release

The bill mandates that the Secretary of Agriculture must promptly obligate and make available all appropriated funds for SNAP and WIC immediately upon the bill's enactment. Furthermore, it prohibits any executive branch official from delaying or withholding these funds for reasons not allowed by law.

Continued Enrollment and Benefit Access

The Secretary of Agriculture must ensure that all state agencies managing SNAP or WIC continue to accept and process applications from eligible individuals and households. Specifically, it stipulates that:

1. Eligible individuals should receive their benefits as soon as funds are available, and no later than five days after the funds are obligated.
2. No federal or state officials can impose enrollment freezes, waiting lists, or other limitations on participation in SNAP or WIC due to funding delays.

Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Systems

The Secretary is also responsible for maintaining the continuous operation of Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) systems that dispense SNAP and WIC benefits. Important elements include:

1. Ensuring uninterrupted EBT system functionality even during funding lapses or administrative delays.
2. State agencies must promptly load benefits onto EBT cards for eligible households upon receiving federal funds without additional delays.
3. No federal or state agency can suspend or restrict the use of EBT cards due to temporary funding issues.

Reimbursement for States or Tribes

In instances where states or federally recognized American Indian tribes utilize their own funds to cover lapses in federal funding for SNAP or WIC, the Secretary of Agriculture is required to reimburse those states or tribes up to the amount they have spent.

Relevant Companies

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