SNAP Staffing Flexibility Act of 2026
Sponsored By: Senator Ricketts, Pete [R-NE]
Introduced
Summary
Allows state SNAP agencies to hire contractors to clear temporary certification backlogs while protecting program integrity. This bill would authorize State agencies to use contractors to perform SNAP certification and related State agency functions during temporary staffing shortages, with limits to prevent gaming, delays, or displacement of merit-based State personnel.
Show full summary
- Families and applicants may see faster SNAP application processing during emergencies, seasonal surges, or staffing backlogs.
- State agencies could use temporary contractor capacity to eliminate backlogs, subject to cost reasonableness reviews and compliance with established contracting rules.
- Contractors must be integrated into a blended government workforce and cannot supplant merit-based State employees.
- States must notify the Secretary and the public and submit an annual report to Congress describing measures taken, delays, data used, and any recommended changes.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Contractors to speed SNAP decisions
This bill would let a State SNAP agency hire contractors to help certify applicants or perform other SNAP functions when applications surge or the agency cannot process them on time. Covered reasons would include a pandemic or health emergency, seasonal surges, temporary staffing shortages, and weather or natural disasters. Contracts would have to follow the State's normal rules, be for a reasonable cost, and could not pay incentives to delay or deny otherwise eligible applicants. Contractors could not have financial ties to approved food retailers, must be part of a blended government workforce, and may not replace merit-based State staff. The special hiring authority would end once the application backlog is eliminated. The bill would also require notice and transparency to the Secretary and to the public and annual reports to Congress about measures taken and delays experienced.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Ricketts, Pete [R-NE]
NE • R
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov