This bill amends Section 234.12 of the Iowa Code to establish a protocol for funding supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) benefits in the event that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) stops transferring funds to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Specifically, if the USDA fails to appropriate funds for SNAP during any fiscal year, HHS is required to reallocate unexpended or unencumbered state funds from the general fund to cover the SNAP benefits that would have been issued under federal law. This ensures that eligible households continue to receive assistance until federal funds are restored.

Additionally, the bill mandates that HHS create rules to effectively administer these provisions, ensuring a structured approach to managing the reallocation of state funds for SNAP benefits. This legislative change aims to provide a safety net for households relying on SNAP during potential federal funding interruptions, thereby maintaining support for food security in Iowa.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 234.12