SNAP Empowerment and Accountability Act of 2016
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (23 Mar 2016): Referred to the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education.
What this bill does
The "SNAP Empowerment and Accountability Act of 2016" would allow state agencies to establish eligibility standards for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) based on drug testing. If an individual tests positive for controlled substances, states could provide them with treatment for drug addiction. The bill also includes provisions to clarify how energy assistance payments are treated in calculating SNAP benefits, by increasing a threshold amount and specifying how third-party payments are considered.
This bill affects individuals applying for or receiving SNAP benefits. It would give states the option to drug test applicants and potentially deny benefits if they test positive, while also offering them funding for treatment if identified as needing it. Additionally, it modifies how certain energy assistance payments impact SNAP eligibility.
This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives in February 2016 during the 114th Congress. It was referred to multiple committees for consideration. As of the information provided, the bill was introduced and has not advanced further; it did not receive a vote in its previous session.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
SNAP Empowerment and Accountability Act of 2016
This bill amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 and the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to permit states to use drug test results for determining eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program). The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration must award grants to states to treat individuals who test positive.
The bill increases from $20 to $50 the amount of annual benefits received under the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 or a similar energy assistance program which qualifies a SNAP applicant to use a standard utility allowance to document heating and cooling costs for calculating benefits.
Timeline
23 Mar 2016
Referred to the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 4540 do?
- The "SNAP Empowerment and Accountability Act of 2016" would allow state agencies to establish eligibility standards for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) based on drug testing. If an individual tests positive for controlled substances, states could provide them with treatment for drug addiction. The bill also includes provisions to clarify how energy assistance payments are treated in calculating SNAP benefits, by increasing a threshold amount and specifying how third-party payments are considered. This bill affects individuals applying for or receiving SNAP benefits. It would give states the option to drug test applicants and potentially deny benefits if they test positive, while also offering them funding for treatment if identified as needing it. Additionally, it modifies how certain energy assistance payments impact SNAP eligibility. This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives in February 2016 during the 114th Congress. It was referred to multiple committees for consideration. As of the information provided, the bill was introduced and has not advanced further; it did not receive a vote in its previous session.
- Has H.R. 4540 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 4540. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 4540?
- H.R. 4540 was sponsored by Rep. Aderholt, Robert B. [R-AL-4] (R-AL), with 7 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 4540?
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education. (23 Mar 2016).
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