HR6520-119

What This Bill Does

The SNAP Data Transparency and Oversight Act adds a recipient-data provision to the Food and Nutrition Act. State SNAP agencies must, as a condition of participation in SNAP, provide the Agriculture Secretary on request with recipient-level data, case file information, or other program data needed for administration, oversight, integrity, or enforcement. USDA can prescribe the form, manner, frequency, and timeframe for transmission, including secure electronic data transfer systems. State agencies must provide requested data within 30 days unless USDA sets a shorter timeline for urgent program integrity, audit, or investigative purposes. Failure to comply can result in withholding or suspension of federal administrative funds. USDA must ensure received data is subject to applicable federal privacy and security safeguards, including the Privacy Act of 1974. The data may be disclosed to federal law enforcement and investigative agencies and State law enforcement and investigative agencies for administering or enforcing SNAP rules or other federal or State law. The bill preserves existing USDA authority to access State data or records for oversight, enforcement, audit, or evaluation.

Who Benefits and How

USDA Food and Nutrition Service oversight staff benefit from direct access to recipient-level and case-file data needed for SNAP integrity work. Federal law enforcement agencies and State investigative agencies benefit because data can be disclosed for enforcement purposes. Taxpayers benefit if better data access detects improper payments or fraud. Program auditors benefit from clearer timelines and secure transfer authority.

Who Bears the Burden and How

State SNAP agencies must transmit recipient-level data, case files, and other program data in the form and timeframe USDA prescribes, usually within 30 days and faster for urgent integrity or investigative needs. States risk withholding or suspension of federal administrative funds if they do not comply. SNAP recipients face broader federal and law-enforcement access to personal program records, subject to privacy safeguards. USDA privacy and security staff must protect data under the Privacy Act and related safeguards.

Key Provisions

• Requires State SNAP agencies to provide recipient-level data, case files, and program data to USDA upon request.
• Requires data transmission in the form, manner, frequency, and timeframe USDA prescribes.
• Requires production within 30 days unless USDA sets a shorter urgent integrity, audit, or investigative deadline.
• Allows withholding or suspension of federal administrative funds for noncompliance.
• Requires federal privacy and security safeguards, including Privacy Act protections.
• Allows disclosure to federal and State law enforcement or investigative agencies for SNAP or other law enforcement.