This bill allows a state agency to hire a contractor to perform Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) certification or other state functions for SNAP under certain conditions.
Specifically, a state agency may hire a contractor when the state experiences an increase in SNAP applications or an inability to timely process such applications from causes that include (1) pandemics and other health emergencies, (2) seasonal workforce cycles, (3) temporary staffing shortages, and (4) weather or other natural disasters. The bill includes specific parameters for a state agency that hires a contractor based on temporary staffing shortages.
A contractor hired under this bill must be part of a blended workforce and may not supplant existing merit-based personnel in the state.
Further, a state agency must notify the Department of Agriculture (USDA) of the intent to hire a contractor and provide any information or data supporting state agency increases in SNAP applications or the inability to timely process applications. USDA must make the notification and accompanying information publicly available on the USDA website.
Finally, USDA must submit an annual report to Congress that includes specific information and recommendations, including information on the measures taken by USDA to address increases in SNAP applications.