§ 2020. Administration

Subsec. (p). Pub. L. 102–237, § 941(6), redesignated subsec. (p) as (b) and transferred it to follow subsec. (a).

1990—Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 101–624, § 1736(1), substituted “on or near its front cover) explanations” for “instructions” in third sentence.

Pub. L. 101–624, § 1736(2), substituted “The State agency shall require that an adult representative of each household that is applying for food stamp benefits shall certify in writing, under penalty of perjury, that the information contained in the application is true and that all members of the household are either citizens or are aliens eligible to receive food stamps under section 2015(f) of this title. The signature of the adult under this section shall be deemed sufficient to comply with any provision of Federal law requiring household members to sign the application or statements in connection with the application process.” for “One adult member of a household that is applying for a coupon allotment shall be required to certify in writing, under penalty of perjury, the truth of the information contained in the application for the allotment.”

Subsec. (e)(3)(E). Pub. L. 101–624, § 1737, inserted before semicolon at end a period followed by “Under rules prescribed by the Secretary, a State agency shall develop standard estimates of the shelter expenses that may reasonably be expected to be incurred by households in which all members are homeless but that are not receiving free shelter throughout the month. The Secretary may issue regulations to preclude the use of the estimates for households with extremely low shelter costs for whom the following sentence shall not apply. A State agency shall use the estimates in determining the allotments of the households, unless a household verifies higher expenses”.

Subsec. (e)(21). Pub. L. 101–624, § 1738(1), struck out “and” after “within the State;”.

Subsec. (e)(22). Pub. L. 101–624, § 1738(2), substituted semicolon for period at end.

Subsec. (e)(25). Pub. L. 101–624, § 1738(3)–(5), added par. (25).

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 101–624, § 1739, inserted first sentence and struck out former first sentence which read as follows: “To encourage the purchase of nutritious foods, the Secretary is authorized to extend food and nutrition education to reach food stamp program participants, using the methods and techniques developed in the expanded food and nutrition education and other programs.”

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 101–624, § 1763(b), inserted “or the requirements established pursuant to section 2032 of this title” after “section 2025(b)(1) of this title” in first sentence.

Subsec. (i)(3). Pub. L. 101–624, § 1740, inserted “in a State that has a single State-wide general assistance application form” after “grant” and inserted before semicolon at end “, and households applying for a local general assistance grant in a local jurisdiction in which the agency administering the general assistance program also administers the food stamp program shall be provided an application for participation in the food stamp program at the time of their application for general assistance, along with information concerning how to apply for the food stamp program”.

Subsec. (j)(1). Pub. L. 101–624, § 1741, inserted “supplemental security income or” after “recipient of”.

1988—Subsec. (e)(1)(A). Pub. L. 100–435, § 204(a), amended subpar. (A) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (A) read as follows: “not conduct food stamp outreach activities with funds provided under this chapter except, at the option of the State agency, food stamp informational activities directed at homeless individuals; and”.

Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 100–435, § 310, inserted provisions relating to brief, simply-written, and readable application forms.

Pub. L. 100–435, § 330, substituted “The State agency shall waive in-office interviews, on a household’s request, if a household is unable to appoint an authorized representative pursuant to paragraph (7) and has no adult household members able to come to the appropriate State agency office because such members are elderly, are mentally or physically handicapped, live in a location not served by a certification office, or have transportation difficulties or similar hardships as determined by the State agency (including hardships due to residing in a rural area, illness, care of a household member, prolonged severe weather, or work or training hours). If an in-office interview is waived, the State agency may conduct a telephone interview or a home visit. The State agency shall provide for telephone contact by, mail delivery of forms to, and mail return of forms by, households that have transportation difficulties or similar hardships.” for “The State agency shall comply with the standards established by the Secretary for telephone contact by, mail delivery of forms to and mail return of forms by, and subsequent home or telephone interview with, the elderly, physically or mentally handicapped, and persons otherwise unable, solely because of transportation difficulties and similar hardships, to appear in person at a certification office or through a representative pursuant to paragraph (7) of this subsection, so that such persons may have an adequate opportunity to be certified properly;”.

Subsec. (e)(3). Pub. L. 100–435, § 323, inserted provisions at end relating to dissemination of statements describing reporting responsibilities and telephone number to call State agency.

Pub. L. 100–435, § 311, inserted cls. (A) to (E).

Subsec. (e)(6)(C). Pub. L. 100–435, § 322(a), substituted “shall provide” for “shall undertake to provide” and inserted “so that eligible households are promptly and accurately certified to receive the allotments for which they are eligible under this chapter” after “such certification”.

Subsec. (e)(6)(D). Pub. L. 100–435, § 321(a), added cl. (D).

Subsec. (e)(6)(E). Pub. L. 100–435, § 322(b), added cl. (E).

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 100–435, § 352, amended second sentence generally. Prior to amendment, second sentence read as follows: “Each State agency shall implement clauses (1) and (2) and may implement clause (3) or (4), or both such clauses.”

Subsec. (p). Pub. L. 100–435, § 320, added subsec. (p).

1987—Subsec. (e)(1)(A). Pub. L. 100–77, § 808(a), inserted “except, at the option of the State agency, food stamp informational activities directed at homeless individuals” after “this chapter”.

Subsec. (e)(9). Pub. L. 100–77, § 809(a), added subpars. (B) and (C), redesignated former subpar. (B) as (D), and directed the substitution of “a household referred to in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C)” for “the household” which was executed by making the substitution for the first reference to “the household” as the probable intent of Congress.

1985—Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 99–198, § 1529, inserted provision directing the State agency to provide a method of certifying and issuing coupons to eligible households that do not reside in permanent dwellings or who do not have fixed mailing addresses and to take such steps as are necessary to ensure that participation in the food stamp program is limited to eligible households.

Pub. L. 99–198, § 1525, inserted requirement that one adult member of a household that is applying for a coupon allotment certify in writing, under penalty of perjury, the truth of the information contained in the application for the allotment.

Subsec. (e)(3). Pub. L. 99–198, § 1527, struck out “only” after “verification”, inserted “, household size (in any case such size is questionable,”, and substituted “such other eligibility factors as the State agency determines are necessary” for “any factors of eligibility involving households that fall within the State agency’s error-prone household profiles as developed by the State agency from the error rate reduction system conducted under section 2025 of this title and as approved by the Secretary”.

Subsec. (e)(16). Pub. L. 99–198, § 1528, substituted “fourth sentence” for “last sentence”, inserted “and would be cost effective” after “integrity”, and inserted provision authorizing the State agency to permit a member of a household to comply with this paragraph by presenting a photographic identification card used to receive assistance under a welfare or public assistance program.

Subsec. (e)(22). Pub. L. 99–198, § 1517(b), added par. (22).

Subsec. (e)(23). Pub. L. 99–198, § 1526, added par. (23).

Subsec. (e)(24). Pub. L. 99–198, § 1535(b)(1), added par. (24).

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 99–198, § 1530, inserted provisions directing State agencies to encourage food stamp program participants to participate in the expanded food and nutrition education program conducted under section 343(d) of this title and any program established under sections 3175a through 3175e of this title and, at the request of personnel of such education program, allow personnel and information materials of such education program to be placed in food stamp offices.

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 99–198, § 1537(c), inserted “the State plan for automated data processing submitted pursuant to subsection (o)(2) of this section,” and substituted “sections 2025(a), 2025(c), and 2025(g) of this title” for “sections 2025(a) and 2025(c) of this title”.

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 99–198, § 1531(a), in cl. (2) of first sentence, inserted “applicants for or” after “members are” and substituted “informed of the availability of benefits under the food stamp program and be assisted in making a simple application to participate in such program” for “permitted to apply for participation in the food stamp program by executing a simple application”, effective Oct. 1, 1986.

Pub. L. 99–198, § 1507(b), inserted sentence directing that no household shall have its application to participate in the food stamp program denied nor its benefits under the food stamp program terminated solely on the basis that its application to participate has been denied or its benefits have been terminated under any of the programs carried out under the statutes specified in the second sentence of section 2014(a) of this title and without a separate determination by the State agency that the household fails to satisfy the eligibility requirements for participation in the food stamp program.

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 99–198, § 1531(b), amended subsec. (j) generally, effective Oct. 1, 1986. Prior to amendment, subsec. (j) read as follows: “The Secretary, in conjunction with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, is authorized to prescribe regulations permitting applicants for and recipients of social security benefits to apply for food stamps at social security offices and be certified for food stamp eligibility in such offices in order that the application and certification for food stamp assistance may be accomplished as efficiently and conveniently as possible.”

Subsec. (o). Pub. L. 99–198, § 1537(b), added subsec. (o).

1984—Subsec. (e)(19). Pub. L. 98–369 amended par. (19) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (19) read as follows: “that—

“(A) in any case in which information is available from agencies administering State unemployment compensation laws under section 303(d) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 503(d)), the information shall be requested and utilized by the State agency to the extent permitted under such section; or

“(B) in any case in which information is not available from agencies administering State unemployment compensation laws under section 303(d) of the Social Security Act—

“(i) information available from the Social Security Administration under section 6103(l)(7) of title 26 shall be requested and utilized by the State agency to the extent permitted under such section; or

“(ii) similar information available from other sources shall be requested and utilized by the State agency to the extent approved by the Secretary and permitted by any law controlling access to the information;”.

1983—Subsec. (e)(19). Pub. L. 98–204 amended par. (19) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (19) read as follows: “that information available from the Social Security Administration under the provisions of section 6103(i)(7) of title 26, and information available from agencies administering State unemployment compensation laws under the provisions of section 303(d) of the Social Security Act, shall be requested and utilized by the State agency (described in section 2012(n)(1) of this title), to the extent permitted under the provisions of such sections, except that the State agency shall not be required to request such information from the Social Security Administration if such information is available from the agency administering the State unemployment compensation laws;”.

1982—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 97–253, § 166, inserted provision that the Secretary may not, as a part of the approval process for a plan of operation, require a State to submit for prior approval by the Secretary the State agency instructions to staff, interpretations of existing policy, State agency methods of administration, forms used by the State agency, or any materials, documents, memoranda, bulletins, or other matter, unless the State determines that the materials, documents, memoranda, bulletins, or other matter alter or amend the State plan of operation or conflict with the rights and levels of benefits to which a household is entitled.

Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 97–253, § 167(a), struck out “points and hours of certification, and for” after “Secretary for” in last sentence.

Subsec. (e)(3). Pub. L. 97–253, § 180(b)(1), substituted “section 2025(e) of this title” for “subsections (h) and (i) of section 2025 of this title” and “error rate reduction system” for “quality control program”, respectively.

Subsec. (e)(7). Pub. L. 97–253, § 168, substituted “an” for “any” wherever appearing and inserted provision that the Secretary may restrict the number of households which may be represented by an individual and otherwise establish criteria and verification standards for representation under this paragraph.

Subsec. (e)(8). Pub. L. 97–253, § 169, substituted “, regulations issued pursuant to this chapter, Federal assistance programs, or federally assisted State programs” for “or the regulations issued pursuant to this chapter”.

Subsec. (e)(9). Pub. L. 97–253, § 170, added par. (9). Former par. (9), which required that the State plan of operation provide that households in immediate need because of no income as defined in section 2014(d) and (e) of this title would receive coupons on an expedited basis, was struck out.

Subsec. (e)(10). Pub. L. 97–253, § 171, inserted provision that in any case in which the State agency receives from the household a written statement containing information that clearly requires a reduction or termination of the household’s benefits, the State agency may act immediately to reduce or terminate the household’s benefits and may provide notice of its action to the household as late as the date on which the action becomes effective.

Subsec. (e)(13). Pub. L. 97–253, §§ 167(b), 190(c)(1), redesignated par. (14) as (13) and struck out former par. (13) which provided that the State plan of operation provide for compliance with standards set by the Secretary with respect to points and hours of coupon issuance.

Subsec. (e)(14) to (21). Pub. L. 97–253, § 190(c)(1), redesignated pars. (14) to (22) as (13) to (21), respectively.

Subsec. (e)(22). Pub. L. 97–253, §§ 172, 190(c)(1), added par. (22) and redesignated it as par. (21).

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 97–253, §§ 173, 189(b)(2)(A), inserted provision requiring each State agency to implement pars. (1) and (2), and permitting each such agency to implement either par. (3) or (4), or both, and substituted reference to the Secretary of Health and Human Services for former reference to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare.

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 97–253, § 189(b)(2)(B), substituted reference to the Secretary of Health and Human Services for former reference to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare.

Subsec. (n). Pub. L. 97–253, § 174, added subsec. (n).

1981—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 97–98, § 1316, struck out subsec. (b) which provided that certification of a household as eligible in any political subdivision, in the event of removal of such household to another political subdivision in which the food stamp program is operating, remains valid for participation in the food stamp program for a period of sixty days from the date of such removal.

Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 97–35 added cl. (A) and redesignated cl. (C) as (B). Former cls. (A) and (B), relating to informing low-income households about the program, and conducting other outreach activities, respectively, were struck out.

Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 97–98, § 1317, inserted provision that the application contain in understandable terms and in prominent and boldface lettering a statement that the information provided by the applicant is subject to verification and if incorrect the applicant may be subject to denial of food stamps and criminal prosecution.

Subsec. (e)(4). Pub. L. 97–98, § 1318, substituted “prior to” for “immediately prior to or at” and “advising the household” for “advising it”.

Subsec. (e)(8). Pub. L. 97–98, § 1319, inserted provision that such safeguards not prevent the use or disclosure of such information to the Comptroller General of the United States for audit and examination authorized by any other provision of law and that, notwithstanding any other provision of law, all information obtained under this chapter from an applicant household be available to local, State, or Federal law enforcement officials for the purpose of investigating an alleged violation of this chapter or any regulation issued under this chapter.

Subsec. (e)(11). Pub. L. 97–98, § 1320(a), inserted provision that allotments not be restored for any period of time more than one year prior to the date the State agency receives a request for such restoration from a household or the State agency is notified or otherwise discovers that a loss to a household has occurred.

Subsec. (e)(20), (21). Pub. L. 97–98, § 1321, added pars. (20) and (21).

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 97–98, § 1322, substituted “is authorized to extend food and nutrition education to reach food stamp participants, using methods and techniques developed in the expanded food and nutrition education and other programs” for “shall extend the expanded food and nutrition education program to the greatest extent possible to reach food stamp program participants” and struck out provision that the program be supplemented by the development of single concept printed materials, specifically designed for persons with low reading and comprehension levels, on how to buy and prepare more nutritious and economical meals and on the relationship between food and good health.

Subsec. (m). Pub. L. 97–98, § 1323, added subsec. (m).

1980—Subsec. (e)(3). Pub. L. 96–249, § 116, inserted “(in part through the use of the information, if any, obtained under subsections (h) and (i) of section 2025 of this title)” after “section 2014(d) of this title” and “although the State agency may verify prior to certification, whether questionable or not, the size of any applicant household and any factors of eligibility involving households that fall within the State agency’s error-prone household profiles as developed by the State agency from the quality control program conducted under section 2025 of this title and as approved by the Secretary” after “sections 2014 and 2015 of this title,”.

Subsec. (e)(4). Pub. L. 96–249, § 113, inserted proviso that the timeliness standards for submitting the notice of expiration and filing an application for recertification may be modified by the Secretary in light of sections 2014(f)(2) and 2015(c) of this title if administratively necessary.

Subsec. (e)(17) to (19). Pub. L. 96–249, §§ 117–119, added pars. (17) to (19).

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 96–249, § 120, inserted “, upon information received by the Secretary, investigation initiated by the Secretary, or investigation that the Secretary shall initiate upon receiving sufficient information evidencing a pattern of lack of compliance by a State agency of a type specified in this subsection,” after “the Secretary determines”, “without good cause” after “to comply”, “or the Secretary’s standards for the efficient and effective administration of the program established under section 2025(b)(1) of this title” after “subsection (d) of this section,”, and “, and whether or not the Secretary refers such matter to the Attorney General, the Secretary shall proceed to withhold from the State such funds authorized under sections 2025(a) and (c) of this title as the Secretary determines to be appropriate, subject to administrative and judicial review under section 2023 of this title” after “relief shall issue”.

Subsec. (i)(2). Pub. L. 96–249, § 122, substituted “simple application” for “simplified affidavit”.

Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 96–249, § 123, added subsec. (l).

1977—Pub. L. 95–113 substituted revised provisions relating to the administration of the program for provisions relating to the disqualification of retail stores and wholesale concerns which are now covered by section 2021 of this title.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2010 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 111–296 effective Oct. 1, 2010, except as otherwise specifically provided, see section 445 of Pub. L. 111–296, set out as a note under section 1751 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.

Effective Date of 2008 Amendment

Amendment of this section and repeal of Pub. L. 110–234 by Pub. L. 110–246 effective May 22, 2008, the date of enactment of Pub. L. 110–234, except as otherwise provided, see section 4 of Pub. L. 110–246, set out as an Effective Date note under section 8701 of this title.

Amendment by sections 4001(b), 4002(a)(6), 4106, 4111(b), 4115(b)(8), 4116–4120, and 4406(a)(2) of Pub. L. 110–246 effective Oct. 1, 2008, see section 4407 of Pub. L. 110–246, set out as a note under section 1161 of Title 2, The Congress.

Amendment by section 7511(c)(5) of Pub. L. 110–246 effective Oct. 1, 2009, see section 7511(c) of Pub. L. 110–246, set out as a note under section 1522 of this title.

Effective Date of 2004 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 108–265 effective July 1, 2005, see section 502(b)(4) of Pub. L. 108–265, set out as an Effective Date note under section 1754 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Pub. L. 107–171, title IV, § 4114(b), May 13, 2002, 116 Stat. 314, provided that: “The amendments made by this section [amending this section] take effect 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act [May 13, 2002].”

Amendment by sections 4115(a) and 4116(a) of Pub. L. 107–171 effective Oct. 1, 2002, except as otherwise provided, see section 4405 of Pub. L. 107–171, set out as an Effective Date note under section 1161 of Title 2, The Congress.

Effective Date of 1998 Amendment

Pub. L. 105–379, § 1(c), Nov. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 3399, provided that: “This section [amending this section and enacting provisions set out as a note below] and the amendments made by this section take effect on June 1, 2000.”

Effective Date of 1997 Amendment

Pub. L. 105–33, title I, § 1003(a)(3), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 255, provided that: “(A) In general.—Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the amendments made by this subsection [amending this section] shall take effect on the date that is 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act [Aug. 5, 1997]. “(B) Extension.—The Secretary of Agriculture may grant a State an extension of time to comply with the amendments made by this subsection, not to exceed beyond the date that is 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, if the chief executive officer of the State submits a request for the extension to the Secretary—“(i) stating the reasons why the State is not able to comply with the amendments made by this subsection by the date that is 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act; “(ii) providing evidence that the State is making a good faith effort to comply with the amendments made by this subsection as soon as practicable; and “(iii) detailing a plan to bring the State into compliance with the amendments made by this subsection as soon as practicable but not later than the date of the requested extension.”

Effective Date of 1994 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 103–296 effective Mar. 31, 1995, see section 110(a) of Pub. L. 103–296, set out as a note under section 401 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.

Effective Date of 1993 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 103–66 effective, and to be implemented beginning on, Oct. 1, 1993, see section 13971(a) of Pub. L. 103–66, set out as a note under section 2025 of this title.

Effective Date of 1991 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 102–237 effective and to be implemented no later than Feb. 1, 1992, see section 1101(d)(1) of Pub. L. 102–237, set out as a note under section 1421 of this title.

Effective Date of 1990 Amendment

Amendment by sections 1736(1), 1737, 1738, 1740, and 1741 of Pub. L. 101–624 effective and implemented first day of month beginning 120 days after publication of implementing regulations to be promulgated not later than Oct. 1, 1991, amendment by section 1736(2) of Pub. L. 101–624 effective and implemented first day of month beginning 120 days after promulgation of implementing regulations to be promulgated not later than Apr. 1, 1991, and amendment by sections 1739 and 1763(b) of Pub. L. 101–624 effective Nov. 28, 1990, see section 1781(a), (b)(2), (3) of Pub. L. 101–624, set out as a note under section 2012 of this title.

Effective Date of 1988 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 100–435 to be effective and implemented on July 1, 1989, except that amendment by sections 204(a), 310, 311, 321(a), 322, 323, and 352 of Pub. L. 100–435 to become effective and implemented on Oct. 1, 1989, if final order is issued under section 902(b) of Title 2, The Congress, for fiscal year 1989 making reductions and sequestrations specified in the report required under section 901(a)(3)(A) of Title 2, see section 701(b)(4), (c)(2) of Pub. L. 100–435, set out as a note under section 2012 of this title.

Effective Date of 1987 Amendment

Pub. L. 100–77, title VIII, § 809(b), July 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 536, provided that: “The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall become effective and be implemented as soon as the Secretary of Agriculture determines is practicable after the date of enactment of this Act [July 22, 1987], but not later than 160 days after the date of enactment of this Act.”

Effective Date of 1985 Amendment

Pub. L. 99–198, title XV, § 1531(a), (b), Dec. 23, 1985, 99 Stat. 1582, provided that the amendments made by section 1531(a), (b) are effective Oct. 1, 1986.

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–369 effective Apr. 1, 1985, unless a waiver has been granted to a State to delay effective date but in no event beyond Sept. 30, 1986, see section 2651(l)(2) of Pub. L. 98–369, set out as a note under section 1320b–7 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.

Effective Date of 1982 Amendment

Amendments by sections 166 to 174, 189(b)(2), and 190(c)(1) of Pub. L. 97–253 effective Sept. 8, 1982, see section 193(a) of Pub. L. 97–253, set out as a note under section 2012 of this title.

Amendment by section 180(b)(1) of Pub. L. 97–253 effective Oct. 1, 1982, see section 193(b) of Pub. L. 97–253, set out as a note under section 2012 of this title.

Effective Date of 1981 Amendments

Amendment by Pub. L. 97–35 effective on earlier of Sept. 8, 1982, or date such amendment became effective pursuant to section 117 of Pub. L. 97–35, set out as a note under section 2012 of this title, see section 192(a) of Pub. L. 97–253, set out as a note under section 2012 of this title.

Amendment by Pub. L. 97–98 effective on earlier of Sept. 8, 1982, or date such amendment became effective pursuant to section 1338 of Pub. L. 97–98, set out as a note under section 2012 of this title, see section 192(b) of Pub. L. 97–253, set out as a note under section 2012 of this title.

Amendment by Pub. L. 97–98 effective upon such date as Secretary of Agriculture may prescribe, taking into account need for orderly implementation, see section 1338 of Pub. L. 97–98, set out as a note under section 2012 of this title.

Amendment by Pub. L. 97–35 effective and implemented upon such dates as Secretary of Agriculture may prescribe, taking into account need for orderly implementation, see section 117 of Pub. L. 97–35, set out as a note under section 2012 of this title.

Effective Date of 1977 Amendment

Pub. L. 95–113, title XIII, § 1301, Sept. 29, 1977, 91 Stat. 958, provided that the amendment made by section 1301 is effective Oct. 1, 1977.

Regulations

Pub. L. 113–79, title IV, § 4016(b), Feb. 7, 2014, 128 Stat. 795, provided that: “(1) In general.—Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act [Feb. 7, 2014], the Secretary [of Agriculture] shall issue a proposed rule to carry out the amendments made by this section [amending this section]. “(2) Requirements.—The rule shall—“(A) identify federally required data exchanges; “(B) include specification and timing of exchanges to be standardized; “(C) address the factors used in determining whether and when to standardize data exchanges; “(D) specify State implementation options; and “(E) describe future milestones.”

Secretary of Agriculture to promulgate regulations necessary to implement amendment of this section by Pub. L. 105–33, not later than one year after Aug. 5, 1997, see § 1005(a) of Pub. L. 105–33 set out as a note under section 2015 of this title.

Abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service and Transfer of Functions

For abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service, transfer of functions, and treatment of related references, see note set out under section 1551 of Title 8, Aliens and Nationality.

Availability of Information Under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008

Pub. L. 114–92, div. A, title VI, § 605, Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 837, provided that: “In administering the supplemental nutrition assistance program established under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.), the Secretary of Agriculture shall ensure that any safeguards that prevent the use or disclosure of information obtained from applicant households shall not prevent the use of that information by, or the disclosure of that information to, the Secretary of Defense for purposes of determining the number of applicant households that contain one or more members of a regular component or reserve component of the Armed Forces.”

Report

Pub. L. 105–379, § 1(b), Nov. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 3399, as amended by Pub. L. 110–234, title IV, § 4002(b)(1)(B), (2)(PP), May 22, 2008, 122 Stat. 1096, 1098; Pub. L. 110–246, § 4(a), title IV, § 4002(b)(1)(B), (2)(PP), June 18, 2008, 122 Stat. 1664, 1857, 1859, provided that: “Not later than September 1, 2000, the Secretary of Agriculture shall submit a report regarding the progress and effectiveness of the cooperative arrangements entered into by State agencies under section 11(r) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2020(r)) (as added by subsection (a)) to— “(1) the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives; “(2) the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate; “(3) the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives; “(4) the Committee on Finance of the Senate; and “(5) the Secretary of the Treasury.”

Audit of Simplified Food Stamp Application at Social Security Administration Offices

Pub. L. 101–624, title XVII, § 1742, Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 3795, directed Comptroller General to conduct an audit of programs established under 7 U.S.C. 2020(i) and (j) under which an applicant for or recipient of social security benefits may make or be provided a simple application to participate in the food stamp program at social security offices, and, not later than Dec. 31, 1991, deliver a report on results of study to Committee on Agriculture of House of Representatives, Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of Senate, and Special Committee on Aging of Senate.

Executive Documents

Ex. Ord. No. 12116. Issuance of Food Stamps by Postal Service

Ex. Ord. No. 12116, Jan. 19, 1979, 44 F.R. 4647, provided:

By the authority vested in me as President of the United States of America by Section 11(k) of the Food Stamp Act of 1977 [now the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008] (91 Stat. 974; 7 U.S.C. 2020(k)), the United States Postal Service is hereby granted approval for post offices in all or part of any State to issue food stamps to eligible households, upon request by the appropriate State agency, as defined in Section 3(n) of the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (91 Stat. 960; 7 U.S.C. 2012(n)).