[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 49 (Monday, March 14, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 13290-13295]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-05583]
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Proposed Rules
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
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Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 49 / Monday, March 14, 2016 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 13290]]
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Food and Nutrition Service
7 CFR Parts 251, 271, 272 and 277
[FNS-2016-0028]
RIN 0584-AE44
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Promotion
AGENCY: Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), USDA.
ACTION: Proposed rule.
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SUMMARY: This proposed rule would implement Section 4018 of the
Agricultural Act of 2014. Section 4018 created new limitations on the
use of federal funds authorized in the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008
(FNA), for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
promotion and outreach activities. Specifically, Section 4018 of the
2014 Farm Bill prohibits the use of Federal funds appropriated in the
FNA from being used for; recruitment activities designed to persuade an
individual to apply for SNAP benefits, television, radio, or billboard
advertisements that are designed to promote SNAP benefits and
enrollment. This provision does not apply to Disaster SNAP, or any
agreements with foreign governments designed to promote SNAP benefits
and enrollment.
Section 4018 also prohibits any entity that receives funds under
the FNA from compensating any person engaged in outreach or recruitment
activities based on the number of individuals who apply to receive SNAP
benefits. Lastly, Section 4018 modifies Section 16(a)(4) of the FNA to
prohibit the Federal government from paying administrative costs
associated with recruitment activities designed to persuade an
individual to apply for program benefits or that promote the program
through television, radio, or billboard advertisements.
This proposed rule would also impact the Food Distribution Program
on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) and The Emergency Food Assistance
Program (TEFAP), both of which receive funding and/or foods authorized
under the FNA.
DATES: To be assured of consideration, written comments must be
received on or before May 13, 2016.
ADDRESSES: The Food and Nutrition Service, USDA, invites interested
persons to submit written comments on this proposed rule. Comments may
be submitted in writing by one of the following methods:
Preferred method: Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting
comments.
Mail: Send comments to Mary Rose Conroy, Chief, Policy
Design Division, Program Design Branch, Food and Nutrition Services,
U.S. Department of Agriculture, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 810,
Alexandria, VA 22302.
All written comments submitted in response to this proposed rule will
be included in the record and will be made available to the public.
Please be advised that the substance of the comments and the identity
of the individuals or entities submitting the comments will be subject
to public disclosure. FNS will make the written comments publicly
available on the Internet via http://www.regulations.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mary Rose Conroy, Branch Chief,
Program Development Division, Program Design Branch, Food and Nutrition
Services, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room
810, Alexandria, VA 22302, or by phone at (703) 305-2803, or by email
at [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Public Comment Procedures
II. Background and Discussion of the Proposed Rule
III. Procedural Matters
I. Public Comment Procedures
Written comments on the proposed rule should be specific, should be
confined to issues pertinent to the proposed rule, and should explain
the reason(s) and/or provide supporting information for any change you
recommend or proposal(s) you oppose. Where possible, you should
reference the specific section or paragraph of the proposal you are
addressing. Comments received after the close of the comment period
listed in DATES will not be considered or included in the
Administrative Record for the final rule.
Executive Order 12866 requires each agency to write regulations
that are simple and easy to understand. We invite your comments on how
to make the proposed regulations easier to understand, as well as
comments and information that could help us make the programs as
effective as practical, including answers to questions such as the
following:
(1) Are the requirements in the proposed regulations clearly
stated?
(2) Does the proposed rule contain technical language or jargon
that interferes with its clarity?
(3) Does the format of the proposed rule (e.g., grouping and order
of sections, use of headings, and paragraphing) make it more or less
clear?
(4) What could be done to minimize the burdens and/or improve
outcomes of the program, consistent with program objectives? Costs and
benefits include both quantifiable measures (to the fullest extent that
these can be usefully estimated) and qualitative measures of costs and
benefits that are difficult to quantify, but nevertheless essential to
consider. Please provide information that would help quantitatively
assess the benefits and costs of this proposed rule.
(5) What could be done to foster incentives for innovation,
flexibility, consistency, predictability, the costs of enforcement and
compliance (to the government, regulated entities and the public)?
II. Background and Discussion of the Proposed Rule
This proposed rule would implement Section 4018 of the Agricultural
Act of 2014 (Pub. L. 113-79, 2014 Farm Bill). Section 4018 of the
Agricultural Act of 2014 (2014 Farm Bill) creates new limitations on
the use of Federal funds authorized in the Food and Nutrition Act of
2008 (FNA) for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
promotion and recruitment activities. Specifically, Section 4018:
Prohibits Federal reimbursement for activities that are
designed to persuade an individual to apply for program benefits or
that promote the program through television, radio, or billboard
advertisements. [Amends Section 16(a)(4) of the FNA.]
[[Page 13291]]
Prohibits the use of Federal funds authorized to be
appropriated under the FNA from being used for:
(1) Recruitment activities designed to persuade an individual to
apply for SNAP benefits;
(2) Television, radio, or billboard advertisements that are
designed to promote SNAP benefits and enrollment. This provision does
not apply to Disaster SNAP; or
(3) Any agreements with foreign governments designed to promote
SNAP benefits and enrollment.
[Amends the end of Section 18 of the FNA.]
Requires that the Secretary of Agriculture issues
regulations that prohibit entities that receive funds under the FNA
from compensating any person engaged in outreach or recruitment
activities based on the number of individuals who apply to receive SNAP
benefits. [Amends the end of Section 18 of the FNA.]
What are the recruitment activities designed to persuade an individual
to apply for SNAP benefits?
The Agricultural Act of 2014 prohibits the use of funds
appropriated under the FNA from being used for recruitment activities
that are designed to persuade an individual to apply for SNAP benefits.
In this proposed rule, prohibited recruitment activities are those
designed to persuade an individual to apply for SNAP benefits through
the use of persuasive practices. Persuasive practices constitute
coercing or pressuring an individual to apply, or providing incentives
to fill out an application. Communicating factual information
pertaining to SNAP is not a recruitment activity designed to persuade
an individual to apply for SNAP benefits.
The Department understands that it was not the intent of Congress
to prohibit informational activities that provide basic program
information to potentially eligible individuals, as specifically
authorized in Section 11(e)(1) of the FNA. Basic program information
allows individuals to make a well-informed decision about whether or
not to apply based on accurate information, rather than myths or other
types of misinformation. For instance, the Department has documented
that many eligible elderly individuals do not apply for benefits
because they are concerned about using benefits that would otherwise go
to another family. Informing the elderly that their enrollment does not
preclude the enrollment or diminish the benefit level of other eligible
households is an important part of ensuring the elderly can make a
well-informed decision about applying for SNAP.
In addition, changes required in Section 4018 of the Agricultural
Act of 2014 do not preclude specialized services for eligible SNAP
applicants, including application assistance, as explained in the
Manager's Statement in the Conference Report, H.R. Rep. 113-333, to
accompany the Agricultural Act of 2014. Specialized services are
particularly important for vulnerable populations including the
elderly, homeless, and individuals with disabilities to ensure they
receive the food assistance they need.
Prohibited recruitment activities would not include providing
accurate program information to dispel misinformation, answering
questions about SNAP, providing assistance in filling out forms or
obtaining verification documents, or providing basic information about
SNAP availability, application procedures, eligibility requirements,
and the benefits of the program, as specifically permitted by Section
11(e)(1) of the FNA.
The regulations already define recruitment activities as activities
that are designed to persuade an individual who has made an informed
choice not to apply for SNAP benefits to change his or her decision and
apply. How will this definition change?
The definition of prohibited recruitment activities would change in
two ways: (1) The new definition would prohibit the use of persuasive
practices, with persuasive practices constituting coercing or
pressuring an individual to apply, or providing incentives to fill out
an application; and (2) the new definition would stipulate that
providing factual information pertaining to SNAP is not a recruitment
activity designed to persuade an individual to apply for SNAP. This
stipulation is included to reflect the intent of Congress to not
prohibit activities that: provide basic program information, inform
applicants about eligibility requirements and benefits of the program,
assist applicants in applying for benefits (particularly for vulnerable
populations), or otherwise dispel common misconceptions.
What are examples of persuasive practices?
The Department proposes in the regulatory definition that
persuasive practices constitute coercing or pressuring an individual to
apply, or providing incentives to fill out an application. Examples of
persuasive practices used in face-to-face interactions would include:
A worker funded by SNAP funds is staffing a SNAP
informational table at a food pantry. A food pantry visitor comes to
the table, but soon replies that he is not interested in learning more.
The worker continuing to discuss SNAP with the visitor would constitute
a persuasive practice because the visitor has clearly expressed a lack
of interest and should not be pressured to apply.
A worker funded by SNAP funds at a community-based
organization is giving a presentation on SNAP eligibility requirements
to a group of likely eligible SNAP applicants. The worker explains that
every person who applies that day will be allowed to stay for a free
parenting class. This would be prohibited if only those who fill out
the SNAP application are allowed to attend the parenting class because
the parenting class is offered as an incentive to fill-out the
application. The activity would be allowable if everyone is allowed to
stay for the parenting class, regardless of whether or not they fill
out an application.
How would the definition of recruitment activities that are designed to
persuade an individual to apply for SNAP benefits apply to written
materials?
Written materials would also be expected to comply with the
designation of allowable and unallowable activities that are described
in the above definition of recruitment activities and that are designed
to persuade an individual to apply for SNAP benefits through coercion,
pressure, or incentives. As a result, written materials should not use
statements that are coercive, pressure individuals to apply for SNAP
benefits, or offer incentives to fill out an application. Written
materials will be expected to contain accurate, factual information
that allows individuals to make a well-informed decision about applying
for SNAP benefits. For instance, written materials may include
information about SNAP eligibility criteria, application procedures, or
where to apply for benefits.
What actions are allowed if an individual's point of view appears to
not be based on accurate information?
The Department is aware that many prevalent myths about SNAP
influence whether or not someone thinks s/he is eligible and whether or
not s/he decides to apply. For instance, the Department has documented
many myths held by the elderly that deter this needy population from
applying for nutrition assistance, for instance, in the 2014
[[Page 13292]]
report Reaching the Underserved Elderly and Working Poor in SNAP
(available at http://www.fns.usda.gov/sites/default/files/SNAPUnderseved-Elderly2009.pdf). Dispelling these myths by sharing
accurate information is a legitimate informational and educational
activity that allows an individual to make a well-informed choice. The
following are some examples of informational activities that would be
allowed under the proposed rule.
An outreach worker is talking to a senior citizen who
explains that he does not think he is eligible because he owns his own
home. The worker would be allowed to correct this misconception,
provided the senior citizen does not express disinterest in learning
more.
An outreach worker is talking to a working mother who
states that she is struggling to put food on the table for herself and
her two children. The working mother explains that she does not think
she is eligible for SNAP because she has a job. The outreach worker
could permissibly educate the working mother about SNAP gross and net
income limits and assist her in determining her likely eligibility
status.
A community-based organization receiving SNAP funds has
become aware that many potentially eligible working families are not
signing up for the program because they think they must take time off
from work to apply. The organization could share informational
brochures detailing the web address for online applications and
availability of telephone interviews with local employers to share with
employees, so long as these brochures are not designed to persuade an
individual to apply for SNAP benefits through coercion, pressure, or
incentives.
How would these regulations change the types of television, radio, or
billboard advertisement that are allowed with Federal SNAP
appropriations?
The Agricultural Act of 2014 prohibits the use of funds authorized
to be appropriated under the FNA for television, radio, or billboard
advertisements that are designed to promote SNAP benefits and
enrollment. Consequently, the regulation proposes to prohibit States or
other entities from using these Federal funds for television, radio, or
billboard advertisements that promote program benefits and enrollment.
What is a billboard?
For the purpose of this proposed rule, billboards are large format
advertising displays intended for viewing from extended distances of
more than 50 feet.
Would the use of social media to promote SNAP be prohibited?
The Agricultural Act of 2014 provision does not address the use of
social media in promotion activities. As a result, the use of social
media like Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, or other internet sites would
not be prohibited, so long as the content is not recruitment activity
designed to persuade an individual to apply for SNAP benefits through
coercion, pressure, or incentives.
How would these proposed regulations affect agreements with foreign
governments?
The Agricultural Act of 2014 prohibits the use of funds
appropriated in the FNA from being used for any agreements with foreign
governments designed to promote SNAP benefits and enrollment.
Consequently, this proposed rule would prohibit foreign agreements that
are designed to promote SNAP benefits and enrollment.
How would these proposed regulations apply to informational activities?
The proposed regulations would not prohibit informational
activities as defined in Section 11(e)(1) of the FNA, namely those
activities that provide factual information about the availability,
eligibility requirements, application procedures, and benefits of SNAP.
Would these regulations apply to Disaster SNAP?
No. Pursuant to the Agricultural Act of 2014, the prohibition on
the use of SNAP appropriations for television, radio, or billboard
advertisements would not apply to Disaster SNAP.
Would these regulations apply to recruitment activities designed to
persuade individuals to apply for SNAP benefits or to television,
radio, or billboard advertisements promoting SNAP that were paid for
with funds that were not authorized to be appropriated under the FNA?
No. The proposed regulations prohibit only recruitment activities
designed to persuade individuals to apply for SNAP benefits and
television, radio, or billboard advertisements promoting SNAP that use
funds authorized to be appropriated under the FNA.
How would the proposed rule impact vulnerable populations?
As stated in the Manager's Statement to the Conference Report, H.R.
Rep. 113-333, the changes in Section 4018 of the Agricultural Act of
2014 do not preclude specialized services for eligible SNAP applicants,
including application assistance for vulnerable populations.
Specialized services are particularly important for vulnerable
populations including the elderly, homeless, and individuals with
disabilities to ensure they receive the food assistance they need.
Consequently, the proposed rule would not prohibit activities that
provide vulnerable populations with application assistance or basic
program information, including information about rights, program rules,
client responsibilities, and benefits.
What would the proposed rule on outreach worker compensation prohibit?
For any organization that receives funding under the FNA, this
proposed rule would prohibit tying outreach worker compensation to the
number of individuals who apply for SNAP as a result of that worker's
efforts. Organizations would not be allowed to require a worker to meet
a predetermined quota of SNAP applicants in order to receive their full
compensation or performance bonus, nor would an organization be allowed
to base compensation or performance bonus on a set dollar amount for
each individual who applies for SNAP as a result of a worker's efforts.
For example, an organization would be prohibited from requiring that at
least 10 individuals apply for benefits a week in order for a worker to
receive their base pay, and an organization would be prohibited from
paying outreach workers $10 per individual who applies for SNAP.
Which organizations would be affected by the new prohibitions on
outreach worker compensation?
All organizations that receive funding under the FNA would be
affected, as this a condition of funding under the FNA. For instance,
an organization that does not receive funds from SNAP, but does receive
funding authorized under FNA and/or receives USDA donated foods
purchased with FNA-authorized funds, such as the Food Distribution
Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) (7 U.S.C. 2013b) and The
Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) (7 U.S.C. 2036), would be
prohibited from compensating employees based on the number of
individuals who apply for SNAP benefits.
[[Page 13293]]
Could an organization use money from sources other than those received
under the FNA to compensate workers based on the number of individuals
who apply for benefits?
No. If an organization receives any funds under the FNA they would
not be able use funds from any source to compensate any persons
conducting outreach or recruitment based on the number of individuals
who apply for SNAP benefits as a result of that person's efforts. If an
organization does not receive funding under the FNA, then this
regulation would not apply to them.
Could an organization compensate outreach workers based on the number
of hours it takes for an outreach worker to assist an individual
applying for SNAP benefits?
Yes. Organizations would be allowed to compensate outreach workers
based on the number of hours it takes an outreach worker to assist an
individual applying for SNAP benefits. In other words, organizations
would be allowed to compensate their employees who provide SNAP
application assistance based on an hourly wage. For example, an
outreach worker may be compensated at an hourly rate of ``X'' dollars
for each hour the worker spends providing SNAP application assistance.
Does this provision apply to food and nutrition programs other than
SNAP?
Yes. The FNA provides authorization of funds for food purchases and
administrative costs for FDPIR and for food purchases for TEFAP and
this provision also applies to those programs.
As background, FDPIR serves as an alternative to SNAP and provides
USDA donated foods to low-income households living on Indian
reservations, and to American Indian households residing in approved
areas near reservations or in Oklahoma. Participating FDPIR Indian
Tribal Organizations and State agencies receive both food and
administrative funding authorized under the FNA. TEFAP is a Federal
program that helps supplement the diets of low-income Americans by
providing them with emergency food assistance at no cost. USDA donated
foods provided to TEFAP State and recipient agencies are purchased with
funds authorized under the FNA.
FDPIR regulations at part 253.11 of this chapter currently require
that funds must be expended and accounted for in accordance with SNAP
regulations at part 277. Under this proposed rule, SNAP regulations
would be amended in order to account for the changes mandated by
Section 4018 and described above. In particular, Section 4018 prohibits
Federal reimbursement or the use of Federal funds authorized to be
appropriated under the FNA for the specific SNAP recruitment and
promotion activities discussed above. Thus, under this proposed rule,
FDPIR funds, as authorized under FNA, would not be permitted for use in
such activities. As FDPIR serves as an alternative to SNAP under the
FNA and serves an average of fewer than 90,000 participants each month,
the Department does not anticipate significant impact of this
requirement on FDPIR Indian Tribal Organizations and State agencies.
As provided above, Section 4018 requires the Secretary of
Agriculture to issue regulations that prohibit entities that receive
funds under the FNA from compensating staff engaged in SNAP outreach
activities based on the number of individuals who apply to receive SNAP
benefits. Though the Department does not believe this requirement will
have a significant impact on TEFAP, the program receives food funding
authorized under the FNA. In this proposed rule, FNS would amend TEFAP
program regulations to prohibit entities funded by TEFAP from
compensating staff engaged in SNAP outreach activities based on the
number of individuals who apply to receive SNAP benefits.
Thus, we propose to amend current 7 CFR 251.10(i) by replacing the
existing text in its entirety with the requirement that any entity
which receives TEFAP donated foods adhere to SNAP regulations at
proposed 7 CFR 277.4(b)(6), related to the prohibition on providing
compensation for SNAP recruitment outreach.
Current 7 CFR 251.10(i) Miscellaneous Provisions--Data Collection
related to eligible recipient agencies, the faith-based reporting
requirement which expired in fiscal year 2009, is outdated. The
language in current Sec. 251.10(i) of this chapter was published on
May 2, 2007, as part of a USDA rule amending several program
regulations in order to fulfill the Department's responsibilities under
Executive Orders 13279 and 13280, regarding the collection of
information on faith-based and community organizations that participate
in social service programs and that receive Federal financial
assistance. The rule required State agencies to report on a number of
data elements for Federal fiscal years 2006 through 2009. The required
collection time period expired in 2010 for the reporting period ending
in Federal fiscal year 2009, and is no longer applicable to TEFAP. The
proposed removal of the current regulatory text would not affect the
current program requirement that TEFAP State agencies continue to
maintain lists of eligible recipient agencies, consistent with part 251
of this chapter.
III. Procedural Matters
Executive Order 12866 and 13563
Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 direct agencies to assess all
costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if
regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize
net benefits (including potential economic, environmental, public
health and safety effects, distributive impacts, and equity). Executive
Order 13563 emphasizes the importance of quantifying both costs and
benefits, of reducing costs, of harmonizing rules, and of promoting
flexibility. This proposed rule has been determined to be significant
and was reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in
conformance with Executive Order 12866.
Regulatory Impact Analysis
As required for all rules that have been designated as Significant
by the Office of Management and Budget, a Regulatory Impact Analysis
(RIA) was developed for this proposed rule. The RIA for this proposed
rule was published as part of docket number [FNS-2016-0028] in
Supporting Documents on www.regulations.gov. The following summarizes
the conclusions of the Regulatory Impact Analysis:
Need for Action: This proposed rule is necessary to implement
Section 4018 of the Agricultural Act of 2014, which establishes new
prohibitions regarding how funds authorized by the FNA are to be spent
to persuade individuals to apply for SNAP benefits and to promote SNAP.
The Agricultural Act of 2014 makes these changes by amending Sections
16(a)(4) and 18 of the FNA. The law requires the Secretary to write
regulations to implement these changes.
Benefits: The proposed rule provides State agencies and State
partners with additional guidance regarding promotion expenses that are
eligible for 50 percent Federal reimbursement of administrative costs
(7 CFR 277.4).
Costs: There are no anticipated costs.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
The Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601-612) requires Agencies
to
[[Page 13294]]
analyze the impact of rulemaking on small entities and consider
alternatives that would minimize any significant impacts on a
substantial number of small entities. Pursuant to that review, it has
been certified that this proposed rule would not have a significant
impact on a substantial number of small entities.
This proposed rule would not have an impact on small entities
because, while the proposal would restrict the types of recruitment and
promotion activities eligible for Federal reimbursement and the types
of activities for which funds authorized to be appropriated under the
FNA may be spent, it does not change the type of entities that may
receive administrative reimbursement or the rate at which they may be
reimbursed for allowable activities. In addition, the proposed rule
would prohibit entities that receive funds under the FNA from
compensating any person engaged in outreach or recruitment activities
based on the number of individuals who apply to receive SNAP benefits;
however, this is not expected to limit the ability of small entities,
or any entity, from using other methods of compensating persons engaged
in outreach or recruitment activities.
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA), Public
Law 104-4, establishes requirements for Federal agencies to assess the
effects of their regulatory actions on State, local and tribal
governments and the private sector. Under Section 202 of the UMRA, the
Department generally must prepare a written statement, including a cost
benefit analysis, for proposed and final rules with ``Federal
mandates'' that may result in expenditures by State, local or Tribal
governments, in the aggregate, or the private sector, of $100 million
or more in any one year. When such a statement is needed for a rule,
Section 205 of the UMRA generally requires the Department to identify
and consider a reasonable number of regulatory alternatives and adopt
the most cost effective or least burdensome alternative that achieves
the objectives of the rule.
This proposed rule does not contain Federal mandates (under the
regulatory provisions of Title II of the UMRA) for State, local and
Tribal governments or the private sector of $100 million or more in any
one year. Thus, the rule is not subject to the requirements of Sections
202 and 205 of the UMRA.
Executive Order 12372
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is listed in the
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Programs under 10.551 and is
subject to Executive Order 12372, which requires intergovernmental
consultation with State and local officials. (See 2 CFR chapter IV.)
FNS has consulted with State and local officials regarding the changes
set forth in this rule by issuing to SNAP State agencies on March 21,
2014 an Implementation Memorandum for the 2014 Farm Bill which included
guidance on implementing the changes in Section 4018 and on May 5, 2014
issuing a Question and Answer Memorandum responding to implementation
questions from the State SNAP agencies and their partners. In addition,
FNS hosted a Stakeholder meeting on September 4, 2014 to consult with
State and local representatives on the provisions of Section 4018.
Federalism Summary Impact Statement
Executive Order 13132 requires Federal agencies to consider the
impact of their regulatory actions on State and local governments.
Where such actions have federalism implications, agencies are directed
to provide a statement for inclusion in the preamble to the regulations
describing the agency's considerations in terms of the three categories
called for under Section (6)(b)(2)(B) of Executive Order 13121. The
Department has determined that this proposed rule does not have
federalism implications. This rule does not impose substantial or
direct compliance costs on State and local governments. Therefore,
under Section 6(b) of the Executive Order, a federalism summary impact
statement is not required.
Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform
This proposed rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988,
Civil Justice Reform. This proposed rule is intended to have preemptive
effect with respect to any State or local laws, regulations or policies
which conflict with its provisions or which would otherwise impede its
full and timely implementation.
This proposed rule is not intended to have retroactive effect
unless so specified in the Effective Dates section of the final rule.
Prior to any judicial challenge to the provisions of the final rule,
all applicable administrative procedures must be exhausted.
Civil Rights Impact Analysis
FNS has reviewed this proposed rule in accordance with USDA
Regulation 4300-4, ``Civil Rights Impact Analysis,'' to identify any
major civil rights impacts the rule might have on program participants
on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, sex, or disability.
After a careful review of the proposed rule's intent and provisions,
FNS has determined that this rule is not expected to affect the
participation of protected individuals in the Supplemental Nutrition
Assistance Program.
Executive Order 13175
This proposed rule has been reviewed in accordance with the
requirements of Executive Order 13175, ``Consultation and Coordination
with Indian Tribal Governments.'' Executive Order 13175 requires
Federal agencies to consult and coordinate with tribes on a government-
to-government basis on policies that have tribal implications,
including regulations, legislative comments or proposed legislation,
and other policy statements or actions that have substantial direct
effects on one or more Indian tribes, on the relationship between the
Federal Government and Indian tribes or on the distribution of power
and responsibilities between the Federal Government and Indian tribes.
FNS has assessed the impact of this rule on Indian tribes and
determined that this rule does not, to our knowledge, have tribal
implications that require tribal consultation under Executive Order
13175. If a Tribe requests consultation, FNS will work with the USDA
Office of Tribal Relations to ensure meaningful consultation is
provided where changes, additions, and modifications identified herein
are not expressly mandated by Congress.
Paperwork Reduction Act
The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chap. 35; 5 CFR part
1320) requires Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval of all
covered collections of information by a Federal agency before such
collections can be implemented. Respondents are not required to respond
to any such collection of information unless it displays a current
valid OMB control number. This proposed rule does not contain
information collection requirements subject to approval by the Office
of Management and Budget under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1994.
E-Government Act Compliance
The Department is committed to complying with the E-Government Act,
to promote the use of the Internet and other information technologies
to provide increased opportunities for citizen access to Government
information and services, and for other purposes.
[[Page 13295]]
List of Subjects
7 CFR Part 251
The Emergency Food Assistance Program, Miscellaneous provisions.
7 CFR Part 271
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Promotional activities.
7 CFR Part 272
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Program informational
activities.
7 CFR Part 277
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Funding.
Accordingly, 7 CFR parts 251, 271, 272 and 277 are proposed to be
amended as follows:
PART 251--THE EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
0
1. The authority citation for 7 CFR part 251 continues to read as
follows:
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 2011-2036.
0
2. Revise Sec. 251.10 (i). The revision reads as follows:
Sec. 251.10 Miscellaneous provisions.
* * * * *
(i) Recruitment activities related to the Supplemental Nutrition
Assistance Program (SNAP). Any entity that receives donated foods
identified in this section must adhere to regulations set forth under
Sec. 277.4(b)(6) of this chapter.
PART 271--GENERAL INFORMATION AND DEFINITIONS
0
1. The authority citation for 7 CFR 271 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 2011-2036.
0
2. Add Sec. 271.9 as follows:
Sec. 271.9 Promotional activities
(a) No funds authorized to be appropriated under the Food and
Nutrition Act of 2008, as amended, shall be used for recruitment or
promotion activities as described in Sec. 277.4(b)(5). No entity
receiving funds under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, as amended,
shall be permitted to perform activities described in Sec.
277.4(b)(6).
PART 272--REQUIREMENTS FOR PARTICIPATING STATE AGENCIES
0
1. The authority citation for 7 CFR part 272 continues to read as
follows:
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 2011-2036.
0
2. Revise Sec. 272.5(c). The revision reads as follows:
Sec. 272.5 Program informational activities
* * * * *
(c) Program informational activities for low-income households. At
their option, State agencies may carry out and claim associated costs
for Program informational activities designed to inform low-income
households about the availability, eligibility requirements,
application procedures, and benefits of SNAP. Allowable informational
activities shall not include recruitment activities as described in
Sec. 277.4(b)(5). Program informational materials used in such
activities shall be subject to Sec. 272.4(b), which pertains to
bilingual requirements. Before FNS considers costs for allowable
informational activities eligible for reimbursement at the fifty
percent rate under part 277 of this chapter, State agencies shall
obtain FNS approval for the attachment to their Plans of Operation as
specified in Sec. 272.2(d)(1)(ix). In such attachments, State agencies
shall describe the subject activities with respect to the socio-
economic and demographic characteristics of the target population,
types of media used, geographic areas warranting attention, and outside
organizations which would be involved. State agencies shall update this
attachment to their Plans of Operation when significant changes occur
and shall report projected costs for this Program activity in
accordance with Sec. 272.2(c), (e), and (f).
PART 277--PAYMENTS OF CERTAIN ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS OF STATE
AGENCIES
0
1. The authority citation for 7 CFR part 277 continues to read as
follows:
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 2011-2036.
0
2. In Sec. 277.4:
0
a. Remove the phrase ``Food Stamp Program'' and add in its place
``SNAP''.
0
b. Amend paragraph (b) by removing the last two sentences; and
0
c. Add paragraphs (b)(5) and (b)(6).
The additions read as follows:
Sec. 277.4 Funding
* * * * *
(b) * * *
(5) The Federal reimbursement rate shall include reimbursement for
SNAP informational activities, but shall not include the following:
(i) Recruitment activities designed to persuade an individual to
apply for SNAP benefits through the use of persuasive practices.
Persuasive practices constitute coercing or pressuring an individual to
apply, or providing incentives to fill out an application for SNAP
benefits. Communicating factual information pertaining to SNAP is not a
recruitment activity designed to persuade an individual to apply for
SNAP benefits.
(ii) Television, radio or billboard advertisements that are
designed to promote SNAP benefits and enrollment, excepting the use of
such advertisements for programmatic activities undertaken with respect
to benefits provided under Sec. 280.1 of this Part.
(iii) Agreements with foreign governments that are designed to
promote SNAP benefits and enrollment.
(6) Any entity that receives funding from the programs identified
by this section and Sec. 251.4 is prohibited from compensating any
person for conducting outreach activities relating to participation in,
or for recruiting individuals to apply to receive benefits under, the
supplemental nutrition assistance program, if the amount of the
compensation would be based on the number of individuals who apply to
receive the benefits.
Dated: March 3, 2016.
Kevin Concannon,
Under Secretary, Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services.
[FR Doc. 2016-05583 Filed 3-11-16; 8:45 am]
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