[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)]
[Unknown Section]
[Pages 66772-66777]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-16448]



[[Page 66771]]

Vol. 89

Friday,

No. 159

August 16, 2024

Part III





 Department of Agriculture





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Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

  Federal Register / Vol. 89 , No. 159 / Friday, August 16, 2024 / UA: 
Reg Flex Agenda  

[[Page 66772]]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Office of the Secretary

2 CFR Subtitle B, Ch. IV

5 CFR Ch. LXXIII

7 CFR Subtitle A; Subtitle B, Chs. I-XI, XIV-XVIII, XX, XXV-
XXXVIII, XLII

9 CFR Chs. I-III

36 CFR Ch. II

48 CFR Ch. 4


Semiannual Regulatory Agenda, Spring 2024

AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, USDA.

ACTION: Semiannual Regulatory Agenda.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This agenda provides summary descriptions of significant and 
not significant regulations being developed in agencies of the U.S. 
Department of Agriculture (USDA) in conformance with Executive Orders 
12866, ``Regulatory Planning and Review,'' 13563, ``Improving 
Regulation and Regulatory Review,'' and 14094, ``Modernizing Regulatory 
Review.'' The agenda also describes regulations affecting small 
entities as required by section 602 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 
Public Law 96-354. This agenda also identifies regulatory actions that 
are being reviewed in compliance with section 610(c) of the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act. We invite public comment on those actions as well as 
any regulation consistent with Executive Order 13563.
    USDA has attempted to list all regulations and regulatory reviews 
pending at the time of publication except for minor and routine or 
repetitive actions, but some may have been inadvertently missed. There 
is no legal significance to the omission of an item from this listing. 
Also, the dates shown for the steps of each action are estimated and 
are not commitments to act on or by the date shown.
    USDA's complete regulatory agenda is available online at 
www.reginfo.gov. Because publication in the Federal Register is 
mandated for the regulatory flexibility agendas required by the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 602), USDA's printed agenda 
entries include only:
    (1) Rules that are likely to have a significant economic impact on 
a substantial number of small entities; and
    (2) Rules identified for periodic review under section 610 of the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information on any 
specific entry shown in this agenda, please contact the person listed 
for that action. For general comments or inquiries about the agenda, 
please contact Mr. Michael Poe, Office of Budget and Program Analysis, 
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250, (202) 720-3257.

    Dated: May 15, 2024.
Michael Poe,
Legislative and Regulatory Staff.

           Agricultural Marketing Service--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.........................  Inert Ingredients in               0581-AE02
                             Pesticides for Organic
                             Production (AMS-NOP-21-
                             0008).
------------------------------------------------------------------------


            Agricultural Marketing Service--Final Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.........................  Natural Grass Sod                  0581-AE07
                             Promotion, Research, and
                             Information Order (AMS-LP-
                             21-0028).
3.........................  Organic Market Development         0581-AE13
                             for Mushrooms and Pet
                             Food (AMS-NOP-22-0063).
------------------------------------------------------------------------


            Agricultural Marketing Service--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
4.........................  Organic Aquaculture                0581-AD34
                             Standards.
5.........................  Organic Apiculture                 0581-AE12
                             Production Standards.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


            Agricultural Marketing Service--Completed Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
6.........................  Inclusive Competition and          0581-AE05
                             Market Integrity Under
                             the Packers and
                             Stockyards Act (AMS-FTPP-
                             21-0045).
------------------------------------------------------------------------


      Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Final Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
7.........................  Revise Conditions for              0579-AE79
                             Payment of Indemnity and
                             Compensation for HPAI.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 66773]]


      Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
8.........................  National List of                   0579-AE39
                             Reportable Animal
                             Diseases.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


      Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Completed Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
9.........................  Microchipping, Verifiable          0579-AE58
                             Signatures, Government
                             Official Endorsement, and
                             Mandatory Forms for
                             Importation of Live Dogs;
                             Cage Standards for
                             Domestic Dogs.
10........................  Animal Disease                     0579-AE64
                             Traceability; Electronic
                             Identification.
11........................  Revision to Horse                  0579-AE70
                             Protection Act
                             Regulations.
12........................  AQI User Fees.............         0579-AE71
------------------------------------------------------------------------


              Food and Nutrition Service--Final Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
13........................  Special Supplemental               0584-AE85
                             Nutrition Program for
                             Women, Infants and
                             Children (WIC): WIC
                             Online Ordering and
                             Transactions and Food
                             Delivery Revisions to
                             Meet the Needs of a
                             Modern, Data-Driven
                             Program.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


              Food and Nutrition Service--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
14........................  National School Lunch and          0584-AE11
                             School Breakfast
                             Programs: School Food
                             Service Account Revenue
                             Amendments Related to the
                             Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids
                             Act of 2010.
15........................  Technical Changes for              0584-AE37
                             Supplemental Nutrition
                             Assistance Program (SNAP)
                             Benefit Redemption
                             Systems.
16........................  Providing Regulatory               0584-AE61
                             Flexibility for Retailers
                             in the Supplemental
                             Nutrition Assistance
                             Program (SNAP).
17........................  Strengthening Integrity            0584-AE71
                             and Reducing Retailer
                             Fraud in the Supplemental
                             Nutrition Assistance
                             Program (SNAP).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)

Proposed Rule Stage

1. Inert Ingredients in Pesticides for Organic Production (AMS-NOP-21-
0008) [0581-AE02]

    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 6501 to 6524
    Abstract: Based on comments received from the September 2022 
Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and recommendations from the 
National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) expected in Fall 2024, this 
action would propose to replace outdated references in USDA's organic 
regulations to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) policy on 
inert ingredients in pesticides. Inerts, also identified as ``other 
ingredients'' on pesticide labels, are any substances other than the 
active ingredient that are intentionally added to pesticide products. 
References to outdated EPA policy appear in the USDA organic 
regulations in the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances 
(National List) and identify the inert ingredients allowed in 
pesticides for organic production.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANPRM...............................   09/02/22  87 FR 54173
ANPRM Comment Period Extended.......   10/11/22  87 FR 61268
ANPRM Comment Period End............   11/01/22
ANPRM Comment Period Extended End...   12/31/22
NPRM................................   04/00/25
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Jennifer Tucker, Deputy Administrator, USDA 
National Organic Program, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural 
Marketing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250, 
Phone: 202 260-8077, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0581-AE02

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)

Final Rule Stage

2. Natural Grass Sod Promotion, Research, and Information Order (AMS-
LP-21-0028) [0581-AE07]

    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 7411 to 7425
    Abstract: This action would establish an industry-funded promotion, 
research, and information program for natural grass sod products. The 
proposed Natural Grass Sod Promotion, Research, and Information Order 
was submitted to the U.S. Department of Agriculture by Turfgrass 
Producers International, a group of natural grass sod producers. The 
program would conduct research, marketing, and promotion activities 
that will benefit the entire industry. Primary goals of the program 
would include educating consumers and stakeholders of the benefits of 
natural grass and providing producers with marketing tools they can use 
to grow their business. The goals identified in the proposed rule would 
only be attainable through a national research and

[[Page 66774]]

promotion program for natural grass sod.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proposed Rule: Referendum Procedures   10/16/23  88 FR 71302
Proposed Rule: Establish Order......   10/16/23  88 FR 71306
Comment Period End: Referendum         12/15/23
 Procedures.
Comment Period End: Establish Order.   12/15/23
Final Rule: Referendum Procedures...   07/00/24
Proposed Rule 2: Establish Order....   09/00/24
Final Rule..........................   03/00/25
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Jeana Harbison, Deputy Director of Livestock and 
Poultry Program, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing 
Service, Washington, DC 20024, Phone: 202 690-3192, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0581-AE07

3. Organic Market Development for Mushrooms and Pet Food (AMS-NOP-22-
0063) [0581-AE13]

    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 6501
    Abstract: This action would amend the USDA organic regulations to 
clarify production and handling requirements for a) organic pet food 
standards and b) organic mushrooms. Specific standards for these 
products do not currently exist. Instead, these products are currently 
certified organic to the standards for similar products like those for 
human consumption (pet food) or for crops (mushrooms). This action 
proposes to add specific standards for these products to respond to 
recommendations from the National Organic Standards Board and 
stakeholder comments received during the National Organic Program's 
March 2022 public listening session. AMS expects the changes would 
increase regulatory certainty for these markets that would, in turn, 
support these and related (ingredient/input) markets. Past National 
Organic Standards Board recommendations, public comments from the 
National Organic Program's March 2022 public listening session, and 
input from mushroom and pet food stakeholders have indicated a need for 
this rule.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   03/11/24  89 FR 17322
NPRM Comment Period End.............   05/10/24
Final Rule..........................   11/00/24
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
    Agency Contact: Jennifer Tucker, Deputy Administrator, USDA 
National Organic Program, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural 
Marketing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250, 
Phone: 202 260-8077, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0581-AE13

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)

Long-Term Actions

4. Organic Aquaculture Standards [0581-AD34]

    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 6501 to 6524
    Abstract: This action would establish standards for organic 
production and certification of farmed aquatic animals and their 
products in the USDA organic regulations. This action would also add 
aquatic animals as a scope of certification and accreditation under the 
National Organic Program (NOP).
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................           To Be Determined
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Jennifer Tucker, Phone: 202 260-8077, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0581-AD34

5. Organic Apiculture Production Standards [0581-AE12]

    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 6501
    Abstract: This action proposes to amend the USDA organic 
regulations to reflect an October 2010 recommendation submitted to the 
Secretary by the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) concerning the 
production of organic apicultural (or beekeeping) products.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................           To Be Determined
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Jennifer Tucker, Phone: 202 260-8077, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0581-AE12

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)

Completed Actions

6. Inclusive Competition and Market Integrity Under the Packers and 
Stockyards Act (AMS-FTPP-21-0045) [0581-AE05]

    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 181 to 229c
    Abstract: This final rule would supplement a recent revision to 
regulations issued under the Packers and Stockyards Act (Act) (7 U.S.C. 
181 229c) that provided criteria for the Secretary to consider when 
determining whether certain conduct or action by packers, swine 
contractors, or live poultry dealers is unduly or unreasonably or 
advantageous. Supplemental amendments would clarify the conduct the 
Department considers unfair, preferential, unjustly discriminatory, or 
deceptive and a violation of sections 202(a) and (b) of the Act. The 
rule would also clarify the criteria and types of conduct that would be 
considered unduly or unreasonably preferential, advantageous, 
prejudicial, or disadvantageous and violations of the Act, including 
retaliatory practices that interfere with lawful communications, 
assertion of rights, and associational participation.
    Completed:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Reason                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final Rule..........................   03/06/24  89 FR 16092
Final Rule Effective................   05/06/24
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Michael V. Durando, Phone: 202 720-0219.
    RIN: 0581-AE05

BILLING CODE 3410-02-P

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)

Final Rule Stage

7.  Revise Conditions for Payment of Indemnity and Compensation 
for HPAI [0579-AE79]

    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 8301, et seq.

[[Page 66775]]

    Abstract: The current HPAI indemnity regulations require producers 
above de minimis thresholds to have a biosecurity plan as a condition 
for indemnification. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service 
(APHIS) intends this interim rule to require a successful biosecurity 
audit for HPAI-infected premises intending to restock and for buffer 
zone (uninfected) premises that wish to request that poultry be moved 
onto the premises. Other changes are also being considered.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interim Final Rule..................   08/00/24
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Leonardo Sevilla, DVM, Veterinary Medical Officer, 
Poultry Health Team, Strategy & Policy, VS, Department of Agriculture, 
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 920 Main Campus Drive, 
Raleigh, NC 27606, Phone: 984 766-1528, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0579-AE79

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)

Long-Term Actions

8. National List of Reportable Animal Diseases [0579-AE39]

    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 8301 to 8317
    Abstract: This rulemaking amends our disease regulations to provide 
for a National List of Reportable Animal Diseases, along with reporting 
responsibilities for animal health professionals that encounter or 
suspect cases of communicable animal diseases and disease agents. The 
changes are necessary to streamline Federal cooperative animal disease 
detection, response, and control efforts. This action will consolidate 
and enhance current disease reporting mechanisms, and it will 
complement and supplement existing animal disease tracking and 
reporting at the State level.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   04/02/20  85 FR 18471
NPRM Comment Period End.............   06/01/20
NPRM Comment Period Reopened........   08/18/20  85 FR 50796
NPRM Comment Period Reopened End....   08/21/20
Revising Proposed Rule and Reopening   08/28/23  88 FR 58524
 Comment Period.
NPRM Comment Period End.............   09/27/23
Final Rule..........................   06/00/25
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Oriana Beemer, Phone: 970 494-7426, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0579-AE39

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)

Completed Actions

9. Microchipping, Verifiable Signatures, Government Official 
Endorsement, and Mandatory Forms for Importation of Live Dogs; Cage 
Standards for Domestic Dogs [0579-AE58]

    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 2131 to 2159
    Abstract: We are proposing to amend the regulations regarding the 
importation of live dogs by requiring all live dogs imported into the 
United States for resale purposes to be microchipped for permanent 
identification, and to require importers to procure a microchip reader 
and make it available to port-of-entry officials as requested. This 
action would also add microchipping as one of three identification 
options for dogs and cats used by dealers, exhibitors and research 
facilities. In addition, APHIS is proposing to require a verifiable 
signature on the health certificate and rabies certificate accompanying 
imported live dogs, an endorsement of the health certificate by a 
government official in the country of origin, and the mandatory use of 
forms provided by APHIS. Additionally, we are proposing to update cage 
standards for dogs held domestically by dealers or exhibitors who are 
licensed under the Animal Welfare Act or used in research at registered 
facilities. Other changes are also being contemplated.
    Completed:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Reason                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Withdrawn...........................   03/08/24
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Lance Bassage, Phone: 301 851-3748, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0579-AE58

10. Animal Disease Traceability; Electronic Identification [0579-AE64]

    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 8301 et seq.
    Abstract: This action amends APHIS' animal disease traceability 
regulations, currently codified at 9 CFR part 86. The primary change 
requires that APHIS will only recognize identification devices (e.g., 
ear tags) as official identification for cattle and bison covered by 
the regulations if the devices have both visual and electronic 
readability (EID). Other changes clarify language and requirements in 
several sections of part 86. These changes will enhance the U.S. 
traceability system to better achieve goals of rapidly tracing diseased 
and exposed animals and containing outbreaks. APHIS' Animal Disease 
Traceability program has a long-standing relationship with Tribal 
nations to ensure the program incorporates Tribal feedback. APHIS 
provided webinars to Tribal nations in 2021 and 2022 to notify Tribes 
of this rulemaking and solicit requests for consultation. APHIS 
subsequently was in contact with an alliance of Western Tribes to 
apprise them of the status of the proposed rule.
    Completed:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Reason                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final Rule..........................   05/09/24  89 FR 39540
Final Action Effective..............   11/05/24
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Alexander K. Turner, Phone: 970 494-7353.
    RIN: 0579-AE64

11. Revision to Horse Protection Act Regulations [0579-AE70]

    Legal Authority: 15 U.S.C. 1823
    Abstract: Current Horse Protection Act (HPA) regulations require 
Designated Qualified Persons (DQPs) to be licensed directly through 
Horse Industry Organizations (HIOs). DQPs conduct inspections of horses 
at HIO-affiliated shows, sales, auctions, and exhibitions to determine 
compliance with the HPA. We are amending the Horse Protection 
regulations by eliminating the role of HIOs and assigning inspection 
authority solely to Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) 
Veterinary Medical Officers and other third parties

[[Page 66776]]

authorized and trained by APHIS. This final rule also makes other 
changes to the regulations in accordance with the provisions of the 
HPA.
    Completed:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Reason                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final Rule..........................   05/08/24  89 FR 39194
Final Rule; Correction..............   06/05/24  89 FR 48131
Final Action Effective..............   02/01/25
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Aaron Rhyner, Phone: 970 494-7484, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0579-AE70

12. AQI User Fees [0579-AE71]

    Legal Authority: 21 U.S.C. 136a
    Abstract: We are making multiple revisions to our AQI user fee 
regulations in order to facilitate full cost recovery as required by 21 
U.S.C. 136a.
    Completed:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Reason                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final Rule..........................   05/07/24  89 FR 38596
Final Action Effective..............   10/01/24  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: George Balady, Phone: 301 851-2338.
    RIN: 0579-AE71

BILLING CODE 3410-02-P

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)

Final Rule Stage

13. Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and 
Children (WIC): WIC Online Ordering and Transactions and Food Delivery 
Revisions To Meet the Needs of a Modern, Data-Driven Program [0584-
AE85]

    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 111-296
    Abstract: This final rulemaking addresses key regulatory barriers 
to online ordering in the WIC Program by making changes to the 
provisions that prevent online transactions and types of online capable 
stores from participating in the Program. This rule will also allow FNS 
to modernize WIC vendor regulations that do not reflect current 
technology and facilitate the Program's transition to Electronic 
Benefit Transfer (EBT). To inform the development of the proposed rule, 
FNS reviewed materials developed by a variety of WIC stakeholders, 
including WIC providers, vendors, manufacturers, EBT processors, 
advocacy organizations, and WIC participants, as well as a report 
issued by a task force convened by USDA and comprised of 18 
organizations from multiple sectors to ensure a diverse range of input. 
FNS will consider public comments received during the proposed 
rulemaking stage in development of this final rule.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   02/23/23  88 FR 11516
NPRM Comment Period End.............   05/24/23
Final Action........................   02/00/25
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Michael DePiro, Specialist, Department of 
Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 1320 Braddock Place, 
Alexandria, VA 22314, Phone: 703 305-2876, Email: 
[email protected].
    Maureen Lydon, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition 
Service, 1320 Braddock Place, Alexandria, VA 22314, Phone: 703 457-
7713, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0584-AE85

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)

Long-Term Actions

14. National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs: School Food 
Service Account Revenue Amendments Related to the Healthy, Hunger-Free 
Kids Act of 2010 [0584-AE11]

    Legal Authority: sec. 12(p)(3)(B) of the Richard B. Russell 
National School Lunch Act, 42 U.S.C. 1760(p)(B)(3); Healthy, Hunger-
Free Kids Act of 2010, Pub. L. 111-296
    Abstract: This rule amends National School Lunch Program (NSLP) 
regulations to conform to amendments made to section 12(p)(3)(B) of the 
Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act, 42 U.S.C. 1760(p)(3)(B) 
in the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, regarding equity in 
school lunch pricing and revenue from non-program foods sold in 
schools. This rule requires school food authorities participating in 
the NSLP to provide the same level of financial support for lunches 
served to students who are not eligible for free or reduced-price 
lunches as is provided for lunches served to students eligible for free 
lunches. This rule also requires that all food sold in a school and 
purchased with funds from the nonprofit school food service account 
other than meals and snacks reimbursed by the Department of Agriculture 
must generate revenue at least proportionate to the cost of such foods. 
This rulemaking will impact schools that participate in NSLP and 
households with students who participate in NSLP at the paid rate. USDA 
received stakeholder input on this rulemaking through the public 
comment process on the interim final rule.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interim Final Rule..................   06/17/11  76 FR 35301
Interim Final Rule Effective........   07/01/11
Interim Final Rule Comment Period      09/15/11
 End.
Final Action........................   06/00/26
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Michael DePiro, Phone: 703 305-2876, Email: 
[email protected].
    Maureen Lydon, Phone: 703 457-7713, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0584-AE11

15. Technical Changes for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program 
(SNAP) Benefit Redemption Systems [0584-AE37]

    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 113-79
    Abstract: The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) will propose changes 
that collectively modernize SNAP benefit issuance and increase program 
integrity while streamlining program administration, offering greater 
flexibility to State agencies, and improving customer service. The rule 
will propose to codify provisions of the 2014 Farm Bill, the 2018 Farm 
Bill, and respond to 2018 OIG audit findings. The rule will propose to 
codify 2014 Farm Bill provisions requiring most SNAP-authorized 
retailers to pay the costs associated with Electronic Benefit Transfer 
(EBT) equipment, supplies and related services and requirements 
pertaining to the online SNAP payment option. This rule would also 
propose to codify waivers that have been granted to State agencies to 
implement practices that have proven beneficial as the EBT system has 
developed and matured and update EBT system technical and functional 
requirements. FNS has not held any stakeholder engagement initiatives 
related to this rule but will evaluate the need for future initiatives

[[Page 66777]]

as rule-making progresses. FNS does not anticipate any significant 
impacts on communities by this rule, as the proposed changes seek to 
codify existing program requirements.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   06/00/25
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Michael DePiro, Phone: 703 305-2876, Email: 
[email protected].
    Maureen Lydon, Phone: 703 457-7713, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0584-AE37

16. Providing Regulatory Flexibility for Retailers in the Supplemental 
Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) [0584-AE61]

    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 113-79; 7 U.S.C. 2011 to 2036
    Abstract: The Agricultural Act of 2014 amended the Food and 
Nutrition Act of 2008 to increase the requirement that certain 
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) authorized retail food 
stores have available on a continuous basis at least three varieties of 
items in each of four staple food categories, to a mandatory minimum of 
seven varieties. The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) codified these 
mandatory requirements via RIN 0584-AE61. This change will propose to 
provide some retailers participating in SNAP as authorized food stores 
with more flexibility in meeting the enhanced SNAP eligibility 
requirements. The stakeholder community includes SNAP applicant and 
authorized retailers required to meet eligibility requirements, public 
health and access focused advocacy organizations, and SNAP 
participants. Stakeholder engagement may include listening sessions 
with these stakeholders, though significant feedback is also available 
in comments submitted to the previously published proposed rule.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   04/05/19  84 FR 13555
NPRM Comment Period End.............   06/04/19
NPRM Comment Period Reopened........   06/14/19  84 FR 27743
NPRM Comment Period Reopen End......   06/20/19
Final Action........................   11/00/25
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Michael DePiro, Phone: 703 305-2876, Email: 
[email protected].
    Maureen Lydon, Phone: 703 457-7713, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0584-AE61

17. Strengthening Integrity and Reducing Retailer Fraud in the 
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) [0584-AE71]

    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 113-79; Pub. L. 115-334
    Abstract: This proposed rule would implement statutory provisions 
of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (the 2008 Farm Bill), 
the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (the 2018 Farm Bill), and other 
language intended to deter retailer fraud, abuse, and non-compliance in 
the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Stakeholders are 
SNAP retailers and communities in which SNAP retailers provide SNAP 
participants access to food, other Programs that require SNAP 
authorization or where reciprocal actions impact participation, and 
SNAP participants. Stakeholder engagement may include listening 
sessions; however, significant feedback from stakeholders is also 
available in the public comments submitted on previously proposed rule.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   10/00/25
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    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Michael DePiro, Phone: 703 305-2876, Email: 
[email protected].
    Maureen Lydon, Phone: 703 457-7713. Email: [email protected],
    RIN: 0584-AE71

[FR Doc. 2024-16448 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-30-P