By Jamie Martin
The Senate Parliamentarian has officially approved the revised provisions proposed by the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. These changes affect state cost-sharing for SNAP (Section 10105) and eligibility rules for non-citizens (Section 10108), confirming compliance with the Byrd rule.
Senator John Boozman (R-AR), Committee Chairman, welcomed the decision, stating it will improve SNAP program oversight and financial responsibility. “This paves the way for important reforms that improve efficiency and management of SNAP while encouraging responsible use of taxpayer dollars. In 2023 alone, over $10 billion was misspent when administering this program – underscoring the need for stronger accountability.”
Under the revised plan, states can use either their Fiscal Year 2025 or Fiscal Year 2026 payment error rate to determine their cost-sharing requirement starting in Fiscal Year 2028. For the following years, beginning in FY 2029, the cost-share will be calculated using a state’s error rate from three years prior.
If a state’s payment error rate exceeds six percent, it will be required to contribute a fixed percentage of SNAP benefit costs. This new approach aims to encourage better program management and reduce costly mistakes.
Annual state payment error rates are released at the end of June. These metrics are key to determining which states must share in program costs.
This move supports the committee's goal to make SNAP more efficient while ensuring help reaches those who need it most. The update also provides flexibility for states to meet new requirements without disrupting services.
Photo Credit: snap
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