Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act

LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS

STEP 2 OF 8

Introduced

In Committee

Reported

Passed House

Passed Senate

Conference

To President

Became Law

Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law

WHAT THE BILL DOES

AI-written

The most directly affected would be residents of Puerto Rico who rely on food assistance. Instead of the current block grant program, they would become eligible for the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This could mean changes in eligibility rules, benefit amounts, and how they apply for and receive food aid, potentially leading to increased benefits for many.

Additionally, the government of Puerto Rico would be affected, as it would need to overhaul its food assistance administration to align with federal SNAP requirements. American Samoa would also be indirectly affected, as the bill adjusts the formula for its nutrition assistance block grant once Puerto Rico transitions to SNAP.

KEY PROVISIONS

AI-extracted

high

Adds Puerto Rico to the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) as a "State" for program purposes, allowing its residents to receive SNAP benefits.

This fundamentally changes Puerto Rico's food assistance from a fixed block grant to the open-ended federal SNAP program, which typically offers more comprehensive benefits.

med

Requires Puerto Rico to submit a plan to the Secretary of Agriculture for transitioning to SNAP within 180 days of designating an agency, with federal technical assistance available.

This sets the operational framework and timeline for the practical implementation of the program change, ensuring an organized shift.

high

Allows for a transition period of up to 5 years during which Puerto Rico can continue its current block grant while shifting to the full SNAP program.

This provides ample time to avoid immediate disruption and ensure a smooth changeover for beneficiaries and administrators in Puerto Rico.

low

Modifies the existing nutrition assistance block grant for American Samoa, adjusting its funding formula once Puerto Rico moves to SNAP.

This ensures American Samoa's food assistance funding is clarified and adjusted after Puerto Rico's departure from the shared block grant structure.

DEADLINES & DATES

AI-extracted

An AI model extracted this from the bill’s official record and can make mistakes. Check the official text ↗ (opens in new tab)

Within 180 days of designating an agency

Puerto Rico must submit its plan of operation to the Secretary of Agriculture.

Not later than 180 days after receiving the plan

Secretary of Agriculture must determine if Puerto Rico's plan satisfies SNAP requirements.

Not later than 30 days after disapproval

If plan disapproved, Secretary must provide a statement of unsatisfied requirements.

Not later than 90 days after approval

If plan approved, Secretary must certify to Congress that Puerto Rico qualifies for SNAP.

Up to 5 years after the effective date of the amendments, or until the Secretary determines transition is complete, whichever occurs first

Transition period from consolidated block grant to SNAP.

FUNDING & AUTHORIZATIONS

AI-extracted

An AI model extracted this from the bill’s official record and can make mistakes. Check the official text ↗ (opens in new tab)

AMOUNT	PROGRAM	TYPE	YEARS
such sums as may be necessary	To carry out the Act (transition of Puerto Rico to SNAP)	discretionary	until the end of the period described in section 4(a) (up to 5 years after the effective date of the amendments)

GLOSSARY

AI-written

Food and Nutrition Act of 2008: The main federal law that governs food assistance programs in the United States, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): A federal program that provides food benefits to low-income individuals and families to help them buy groceries. It's often referred to as 'food stamps.'
Block Grant: A sum of money given by the federal government to a state or territory for a broad purpose, allowing the recipient to decide how to spend it within that purpose. Unlike entitlement programs, block grant funds are typically fixed and limited.
Secretary of Agriculture: The head of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), responsible for federal food, agriculture, and rural development policies.
Thrifty Food Plan: A low-cost model food plan developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that is used to set the maximum SNAP benefits for eligible households. It represents the cost of a nutritious diet for a family.
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico: An unincorporated territory of the United States. Its residents are U.S. citizens.

ACTION TIMELINE

2 EVENTS

SEP 8, 25

Introduced in House

INTROREFERRAL

SEP 8, 25

Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.

INTROREFERRAL

READER REACTIONS

0 COMMENTS

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

What do you think?

0 votes

Discussion

Loading comments...

MORE INFORMATION

Committee Referrals

Agriculture CommitteeReferred

Sep 8, 2025

house

Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act

LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS

WHAT THE BILL DOES

KEY PROVISIONS

SPONSORSHIP

ACTION TIMELINE

BILL INFO

READER REACTIONS

Discussion

Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act

LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS

WHAT THE BILL DOES

KEY PROVISIONS

DEADLINES & DATES

FUNDING & AUTHORIZATIONS

GLOSSARY

ACTION TIMELINE

SPONSORS

READER REACTIONS

What do you think?

Discussion

MORE INFORMATION

Committee Referrals

Related Legislation

Search

Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act

LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS

WHAT THE BILL DOES

KEY PROVISIONS

SPONSORSHIP

ACTION TIMELINE

BILL INFO

READER REACTIONS

Discussion

Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act

LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS

WHAT THE BILL DOES

KEY PROVISIONS

DEADLINES & DATES

FUNDING & AUTHORIZATIONS

GLOSSARY

ACTION TIMELINE

SPONSORS

READER REACTIONS

What do you think?

Discussion

MORE INFORMATION

Committee Referrals

Related Legislation