This proposal would slow down big changes to how the government checks the accuracy of SNAP cases. SNAP is the program that helps low-income families buy food. The “quality control” system is how the government measures whether states are deciding eligibility and benefit amounts correctly, and tracks overpayments and underpayments.

Before the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) can finalize any new or updated guidance that would make major changes to these quality checks, it must post the plan and allow the public to comment for at least 60 days. This includes guidance that would make states change their systems, procedures, or staffing for quality reviews, or that would change what proof SNAP recipients must provide. In urgent cases, USDA could put interim rules in place right away but still must open them for comment at the same time.

• Who is affected: SNAP recipients, state SNAP agencies, and the USDA
• What changes: USDA must allow a 60-day public comment period before finalizing major guidance on SNAP quality control; urgent interim guidance is allowed with simultaneous notice and comment
• When: The 60-day public comment happens before guidance is finalized; urgent interim guidance can take effect immediately while comments are collected