USDA Discovers Public Should Comment on Food Stamp Rules
Published Date: 1/3/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The USDA wants to officially include the SNAP Quality Control Review Handbook into its rules, making sure everyone gets a chance to comment before any changes happen. This affects people who manage SNAP case reviews and aims to keep the process clear and fair. Comments are open until March 4, 2024, with no immediate cost changes announced.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
FNS Handbook 310 Added to SNAP Rules
USDA proposes to incorporate by reference the FNS Handbook 310, the “SNAP QC Review Handbook” dated October 2024, into 7 CFR 275.14 so that revisions to the Handbook require notice-and-comment before implementation. Comments on this proposed rule must be received on or before March 4, 2024, and the Handbook is available at https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/qc.
Reference to Handbook 311 Removed Temporarily
The Department proposes to remove references to FNS Handbook 311 from 7 CFR 275.14 and reserve paragraphs in anticipation of incorporating Handbook 311 in the future. This action defers any regulatory reliance on Handbook 311 until a later incorporation-by-reference step.
No Change to SNAP Eligibility or Benefits
USDA states that incorporating FNS Handbook 310 does not introduce new program requirements and that these changes primarily affect the QC review process, not individuals' eligibility for or participation in SNAP. The Handbook details operational procedures for QC reviews used to measure error rates and program administration.
No Significant Economic Impact on Small Entities
FNS certifies that the entities impacted by this rule are State SNAP agencies that conduct QC reviews and that those entities are not considered small entities for Regulatory Flexibility Act purposes. The rule is designated not significant by OMB and not a 'major rule' under the Congressional Review Act.
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