Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act
- Bill Number
- S. 3958
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Agriculture and Food
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-02: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-16T15:01:22Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose The legislation, titled the Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act, seeks to transition Puerto Rico from its current consolidated block grant nutrition assistance system to full participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008.
Key Provisions
- Amends definitions and eligibility rules in the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to include Puerto Rico alongside states and other territories for SNAP purposes, including cost adjustments to the thrifty food plan.
- Requires Puerto Rico to designate an administering agency and submit a plan of operation within 180 days; the Secretary of Agriculture must provide technical assistance, review the plan within 180 days, approve it if compliant, or explain deficiencies, and certify eligibility to Congress.
- Allows continuation of the existing block grant for up to 5 years after the amendments take effect (or until transition is complete), with annual reports to Congress on funding needs during this period.
- Adjusts funding formulas in Section 19 for American Samoa after the transition period, ensuring full use of allocated funds for its nutrition program.
- Authorizes necessary appropriations until the end of the transition period.
- Sets the Act effective upon enactment, with amendments effective 10 years later.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Extends SNAP eligibility and program rules to Puerto Rico, ending its separate block grant status under Section 19.
- Introduces a structured transition process with timelines for plan submission, approval, and certification.
- Modifies funding allocation language to phase out Puerto Rico's block grant share and recalibrate American Samoa's percentage post-transition.
Potential Impacts
- On government agencies: Requires USDA to provide training, review plans, certify participation, and issue annual transition reports; shifts administrative oversight from block grant to standard SNAP state agency requirements.
- On citizens: Puerto Rico residents may receive nutrition benefits under SNAP rules, including benefit levels adjusted for local food costs, potentially altering eligibility, amounts, and administration.
- On international relations: No direct effects identified, as the changes apply to a U.S. territory.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Puerto Rico residents and its government agency designated to administer the program.
- U.S. Department of Agriculture (Secretary and relevant offices).
- American Samoa (due to adjusted funding allocations).
- U.S. Congress (receives certification and annual reports).
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Treats Puerto Rico as a "State" under the Food and Nutrition Act for SNAP purposes, aligning territorial administration with federal program standards.
- The 10-year delay before amendments take effect and 5-year transition window create an extended phased implementation.
- No explicit constitutional provisions addressed in the text.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Sen. Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY]
Cosponsors (19)
Sen. Fetterman, John [D-PA], Sen. Luján, Ben Ray [D-NM], Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA], Sen. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY], Sen. Warnock, Raphael G. [D-GA], Sen. Murphy, Christopher [D-CT], Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA], Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ], Sen. Welch, Peter [D-VT], Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT], Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA], Sen. Sanders, Bernard [I-VT], Sen. Kim, Andy [D-NJ], Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM], Sen. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA], Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL], Sen. Gallego, Ruben [D-AZ], Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR], Sen. Wicker, Roger F. [R-MS]
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-02: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
- 2026-03-02: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act — issued 2026-03-02 — PDF (9 pages)