Bill > HB947

This bill, known as the Georgia SNAP Integrity Act of 2026, aims to strengthen oversight and prevent fraud within Georgia's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a federal program administered by the state. Key provisions include restricting "categorical eligibility," which allows states to extend SNAP benefits to households that might not otherwise qualify based on income alone, and limiting the use of higher gross income and financial resource standards than those specified by federal law, unless federal law explicitly requires it. The bill also mandates stricter verification of eligibility criteria for SNAP applicants, requiring all verifications to be completed within 30 days of application and prohibiting the issuance of a second month's benefits if verifications are incomplete. Furthermore, it introduces a pre-authorization accuracy checklist for all SNAP eligibility determinations, requiring a second-party review or automated validation of income, household composition, and shelter deductions before benefits are finalized, while ensuring expedited service timeframes are not delayed. The bill also establishes data-matching agreements with various state and federal agencies, including the Department of Public Health, Department of Corrections, and Social Security Administration, to automatically identify changes in circumstances that could affect eligibility, and restricts the state's ability to waive work requirements without specific legislative authorization. Finally, it clarifies that SNAP benefits cannot be used for prepared foods or beverages from food service or sales establishments, and outlines procedures for reporting and preventing SNAP fraud.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/72145