SNAP PLUS Act of 2020
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (13 Aug 2020): Referred to the Subcommittee on Nutrition, Oversight, and Department Operations.
What this bill does
H.R. 7271, the SNAP PLUS Act of 2020, would amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to expand what Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits can be used to purchase. Under current law, SNAP benefits generally cannot buy hot foods or non-food items. This bill would allow SNAP funds to also cover vitamins and supplements, medicines, prepared foods ready for immediate consumption, hot foods, cleaning supplies, paper products, other household supplies, and personal hygiene items—defining the latter to include toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant, and menstrual hygiene products such as tampons, pads, and menstrual cups. The bill also states that SNAP benefit allotments would increase by $20 per day annually, adjusted each October 1 based on changes in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers.
The bill would affect the millions of low-income individuals and households who receive SNAP benefits, potentially broadening the range of goods they can purchase with those benefits and increasing the dollar amount they receive. It would also affect retailers authorized to accept SNAP, who would need to adjust to the expanded list of eligible items.
The bill was introduced on June 18, 2020, by Rep. Bobby Rush and referred to the House Committee on Agriculture. It did not receive a committee vote or further action before the 116th Congress ended, meaning the bill did not become law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
SNAP Provisions to Lower Undue Struggle Act of 2020 or the SNAP PLUS Act of 2020
This bill expands the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program) to permit the use of SNAP benefits to purchase items such as vitamins, household supplies, personal hygiene items, and menstrual hygiene products. Additionally, the bill requires specified annual increases for the value of the allotment of SNAP benefits that state agencies are authorized to issue to eligible households.
Timeline
13 Aug 2020
Referred to the Subcommittee on Nutrition, Oversight, and Department Operations.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 7271 do?
- H.R. 7271, the SNAP PLUS Act of 2020, would amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to expand what Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits can be used to purchase. Under current law, SNAP benefits generally cannot buy hot foods or non-food items. This bill would allow SNAP funds to also cover vitamins and supplements, medicines, prepared foods ready for immediate consumption, hot foods, cleaning supplies, paper products, other household supplies, and personal hygiene items—defining the latter to include toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant, and menstrual hygiene products such as tampons, pads, and menstrual cups. The bill also states that SNAP benefit allotments would increase by $20 per day annually, adjusted each October 1 based on changes in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers. The bill would affect the millions of low-income individuals and households who receive SNAP benefits, potentially broadening the range of goods they can purchase with those benefits and increasing the dollar amount they receive. It would also affect retailers authorized to accept SNAP, who would need to adjust to the expanded list of eligible items. The bill was introduced on June 18, 2020, by Rep. Bobby Rush and referred to the House Committee on Agriculture. It did not receive a committee vote or further action before the 116th Congress ended, meaning the bill did not become law.
- Has H.R. 7271 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 7271. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 7271?
- H.R. 7271 was sponsored by Rep. Rush, Bobby L. [D-IL-1] (D-IL), with 2 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 7271?
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Nutrition, Oversight, and Department Operations. (13 Aug 2020).
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