SNAP Tribal Food Sovereignty Act of 2023
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (21 Sep 2023): Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.
What this bill does
S. 2912, the SNAP Tribal Food Sovereignty Act of 2023, would amend the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act to let the Secretary of Agriculture enter into "self-determination contracts" with Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations. Under such contracts, a Tribe could plan, conduct, and administer functions, services, or activities of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) on its own behalf, if the Tribe requests this through a formal Tribal resolution. These contracts would follow the same terms, procedures, and requirements as existing self-determination contracts used in other federal programs, but with the Department of Agriculture serving as the responsible agency. The bill also directs the Bureau of Indian Affairs' Office of Self-Governance to provide technical assistance to both the Department of Agriculture and to Tribes seeking to use this authority.
The bill primarily affects Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations, giving them a new option to take on direct administrative control of SNAP-related functions within their communities rather than relying solely on state or federal administration. It also affects the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which would gain new contracting responsibilities, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, which would have an added technical-assistance role.
The bill was introduced in the Senate on September 21, 2023, by Sen. Tina Smith, with Sen. Mike Rounds as a cosponsor, and was referred to the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. As of the latest available information, it has not received a committee vote or further action, meaning its future consideration depends on the committee and the full Senate.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
SNAP Tribal Food Sovereignty Act of 2023
This bill directs the Department of Agriculture to enter into self-determination contracts upon the request of Indian tribes and tribal organizations to carry out the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Timeline
21 Sep 2023
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.
Common questions
- What does S. 2912 do?
- S. 2912, the SNAP Tribal Food Sovereignty Act of 2023, would amend the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act to let the Secretary of Agriculture enter into "self-determination contracts" with Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations. Under such contracts, a Tribe could plan, conduct, and administer functions, services, or activities of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) on its own behalf, if the Tribe requests this through a formal Tribal resolution. These contracts would follow the same terms, procedures, and requirements as existing self-determination contracts used in other federal programs, but with the Department of Agriculture serving as the responsible agency. The bill also directs the Bureau of Indian Affairs' Office of Self-Governance to provide technical assistance to both the Department of Agriculture and to Tribes seeking to use this authority. The bill primarily affects Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations, giving them a new option to take on direct administrative control of SNAP-related functions within their communities rather than relying solely on state or federal administration. It also affects the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which would gain new contracting responsibilities, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, which would have an added technical-assistance role. The bill was introduced in the Senate on September 21, 2023, by Sen. Tina Smith, with Sen. Mike Rounds as a cosponsor, and was referred to the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. As of the latest available information, it has not received a committee vote or further action, meaning its future consideration depends on the committee and the full Senate.
- Has S. 2912 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 2912. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 2912?
- S. 2912 was sponsored by Sen. Smith, Tina [D-MN] (D-MN), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on S. 2912?
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs. (21 Sep 2023).
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