Bill · H.R. 734· House(119-HR-734)
To amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 with respect to the issuance of quality control guidance issued by the Secretary of Agriculture.
- Introduced
- 1/24/2025
- Last activity
- 2/28/2025 — Referred to the Subcommittee on Nutrition and Foreign Agriculture.
- Sponsored by
- Barry Moore
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 concerning quality control guidance issued by the Secretary of Agriculture. It requires the Secretary to provide notice and a public comment period of at least 60 days for any new or updated guidance that proposes substantive changes for conducting quality control reviews before it is finalized. This requirement applies to guidance expected to require state agencies to change systems, procedures, or staffing regarding quality control reviews, or guidance that impacts verification requirements for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients. An exception is included that allows the Secretary to issue interim final guidance simultaneous with notice and comment requirements in cases of an urgent and immediate need.
Yes· 3 of 5
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+5
The bill mandates a 60-day notice and public comment period for new or updated quality control guidance.
Does this leave more decisions to the states?+3
The bill provides states with a notice and comment period before the federal government finalizes guidance that requires changes to state systems, procedures, or staffing.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+2
The bill allows for public input on changes to guidance that impact verification requirements for supplemental nutrition assistance program recipients.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Public Involvement: Section 1(10)(A) ensures that the Secretary must provide notice and make available for public comment for a period of not fewer than 60 days any new or updated guidance proposing substantive changes for conducting quality control reviews before it is finalized. This is positive because it gives the public a chance to look at and comment on proposed changes before they become final.
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Protecting Program Recipients: Section 1(10)(B) applies the public comment requirement to any proposed guidance that impacts verification requirements for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients. This gives people a voice when rules about getting benefits might change.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Delayed Guidance During Urgent Times: Section 1(10)(C) allows the Secretary to issue interim final guidance simultaneously with notice and comment requirements only in the case of an urgent and immediate need. If an urgent situation does not meet this specific exception, the required 60-day public comment period could delay important guidance from being put into action quickly.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+5Increase States Rights+3
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Low Income Households+2Good For Urban Residents+1
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Poverty Reduction+2
- 2/28/2025
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Nutrition and Foreign Agriculture.
- 1/24/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
- Introduced in House