HR 5168119th CongressIn Committee

Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act

Introduced: Sep 8, 2025

Social Services

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

The Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act would change how Puerto Rico provides nutrition aid by moving the territory from its current consolidated block grant framework into the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) as a State under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008. The bill requires Puerto Rico to prepare a plan of operation, with technical assistance from the USDA, and to obtain approval before transitioning to SNAP. It creates a multi-year transition period (up to five years) during which Puerto Rico would continue operating under the existing block grant while working to implement SNAP. The legislation also reshapes funding arrangements related to the consolidated block grant to accommodate this transition, and it includes provisions related to American Samoa’s separate block grant funding. Notably, several provisions are designed to take effect immediately, but the core amendments to the Food and Nutrition Act would take effect 10 years after enactment. In short, the bill aims to ensure Puerto Rico is treated similarly to U.S. states in SNAP administration, provides a structured process and timeline for transitioning from the current block grant to SNAP, and adjusts related funding to support that shift, with a parallel impact on American Samoa’s funding arrangements.

Key Points

1Expansion and transition to SNAP for Puerto Rico
2- The bill adds Puerto Rico to definitions and eligibility in the Food and Nutrition Act, paving the way for PR to participate in SNAP as a State rather than solely through the consolidated block grant.
3Plan of operation and approval process
4- Puerto Rico must submit a plan of operation within 180 days of designation, detailing how it will operate under SNAP.
5- The Secretary of Agriculture must provide training and technical assistance during this period.
6- The Secretary has up to 180 days after receiving the plan to approve or disapprove it, and must identify any unmet requirements if disapproved.
7- If approved, the Secretary must certify to Congress within 90 days that Puerto Rico qualifies to participate in SNAP as a State.
8Transition period and reporting
9- The transition from the consolidated block grant to SNAP can proceed over up to five years after the designated implementation date.
10- For each year of the transition, the Secretary must report to Congress on progress and any funding needs to support the transition.
11Block grant funding changes and American Samoa
12- The act amends the consolidated block grant provisions to extend until the end of the transition period and to account for the shift to SNAP.
13- After the transition, there are new funding allocations linked to American Samoa’s nutrition program, including a mechanism to fund 100% of American Samoa’s expenditures under a specific extended program, subject to available appropriations.
14- The amendments also adjust the funding formulas in light of the transition period and the needs of American Samoa.
15Funding and effective dates
16- The bill authorizes appropriations as necessary to carry out the act through the end of the transition period.
17- Most provisions take effect upon enactment, but the amendments to the core Food and Nutrition Act would take effect 10 years after enactment.

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected- Puerto Rico residents who participate in or are eligible for nutrition assistance benefits; Puerto Rico’s government and its agencies responsible for administering nutrition programs; the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) as the federal administrator of SNAP.Secondary group/area affected- American Samoa, due to the revised consolidated block grant provisions and ongoing funding arrangements for nutrition programs there.- The broader federal budget and program administration, as SNAP financing and transition costs shift over time.Additional impacts- Administrative changes: Puerto Rico would need to establish or designate an administering agency with the capacity to operate SNAP like a U.S. state, including plan development, eligibility determinations, benefit issuance, and program oversight.- Budgetary considerations: The transition involves funding adjustments and a multi-year reporting requirement to Congress; the 0.4 percent allocation described for post-transition funding in relation to American Samoa is an additional fiscal mechanism.- Timeline uncertainties: While the plan submission and transition are laid out, the amendments’ effective date is 10 years after enactment, creating a long runway before full SNAP implementation in Puerto Rico. This could affect budgeting, staffing, and program design in the interim.

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