Sec. 2302. Additional SNAP flexibilities in a public health emergency
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/bill/116/hr/6201/enr/section-2302A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
In the event of a public health emergency declaration by the Secretary of Health and Human Services under section 319 of the Public Health Service Act based on an outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID–19) and the issuance of an emergency or disaster declaration by a State based on an outbreak of COVID–19, the Secretary of Agriculture— shall provide, at the request of a State agency (as defined in section 3 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008) that provides sufficient data (as determined by the Secretary through guidance) supporting such request, for emergency allotments to households participating in the supplemental nutrition assistance program under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to address temporary food needs not greater than the applicable maximum monthly allotment for the household size; and may adjust, at the request of State agencies or by guidance in consultation with one or more State agencies, issuance methods and application and reporting requirements under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to be consistent with what is practicable under actual conditions in affected areas.
(In making this adjustment, the Secretary shall consider the availability of offices and personnel in State agencies, any conditions that make reliance on electronic benefit transfer systems described in section 7(h) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 impracticable, any disruptions of transportation and communication facilities, and any health considerations that warrant alternative approaches.) Not later than 10 days after the date of the receipt or issuance of each document listed in paragraphs (1), (2), or
(3)of this subsection, the Secretary of Agriculture shall make publicly available on the website of the Department the following documents: Any request submitted by State agencies under subsection (a). The Secretary’s approval or denial of each such request. Any guidance issued under subsection (a)(2). The Secretary of Agriculture shall, within 18 months after the public health emergency declaration described in subsection
(a)is lifted, submit a report to the House and Senate Agriculture Committees with a description of the measures taken to address the food security needs of affected populations during the emergency, any information or data supporting State agency requests, any additional measures that States requested that were not approved, and recommendations for changes to the Secretary’s authority under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to assist the Secretary and States and localities in preparations for any future health emergencies.