Bill · S. 3856· Senate(119-S-3856)
SNAP Data Transparency and Oversight Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 2/12/2026
- Last activity
- 2/12/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
- Sponsored by
- Rick Scott
- Cosponsors
- - 2 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, titled the "SNAP Data Transparency and Oversight Act of 2026," aims to amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008. It would require State agencies to provide recipient-level data, case file information, or other program data to the Secretary of Agriculture upon request. This data is intended for the administration, oversight, integrity, or enforcement of the supplemental nutrition assistance program. States must provide the requested data within 30 days, or a shorter timeframe if required by the Secretary for urgent purposes. Failure to comply could result in the Secretary withholding or suspending funds to the State.
Yes
Does this give the federal government more power?+3
The bill increases federal oversight by requiring states to provide recipient-level data upon request.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+2
The bill enhances program integrity through increased transparency of recipient data to the Secretary.
The opposite
Does this leave more decisions to the states?-3
The bill reduces state autonomy by mandating data submission to the federal Secretary of Agriculture.
Does this protect people from being watched or searched?-2
While safeguards are mentioned, the bill increases the potential for privacy loss through required recipient-level data sharing.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Program Integrity and Oversight: The bill requires States to provide data necessary for the "administration, oversight, integrity, or enforcement of the program" (Section 2, paragraph 1). This could help ensure the program is being run correctly and according to the rules.
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Privacy Protections: The Secretary is required to ensure all received data is subject to "applicable Federal laws and safeguards governing the privacy and security of program records," specifically including the "Privacy Act of 1974" (Section 2, paragraph 5A).
-
Law Enforcement Capabilities: The Secretary is permitted to disclose received data to "any Federal or State law enforcement and investigative agency" for the purposes of administering or enforcing the Act or any other law (Section 2, paragraph 5B).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Financial Risk to States: If a State agency fails to comply with a data request, the Secretary has the authority to "withhold or suspend funds to a State" (Section 2, paragraph 4).
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Strict Timelines for States: State agencies must provide requested data "not later than 30 days after the date of the request," and the Secretary has the power to establish even shorter timelines for "urgent program integrity, audit, or investigative purposes" (Section 2, paragraph 3).
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
- Increases Federal Power+3Improves Government Transparency+2Increase States Rights-3Improves Privacy Rights-2
- 2/12/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
Joni ErnstRepublican · Iowa
Tommy TubervilleRepublican · Alabama