House Bill 684, also known as Senate Bill 879, amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 71, Chapter 5, Part 3, concerning food assistance. The bill removes subsections (b) and (c) from Section 71-5-318 and replaces them with new provisions. The amended subsection (b) mandates that the department annually identify necessary federal waivers to address regulatory limitations and submit applications for these waivers to the federal government by October 31 each year. Subsection (c) requires the department to provide a report by December 31 each year to key legislative figures, detailing its findings, the status of waiver applications, and recommendations for statutory changes to improve the food assistance program.

This legislation aims to enhance the efficiency of the food assistance program by ensuring that the department actively seeks federal waivers and keeps the legislature informed about its efforts and needs. The requirement for annual reporting is intended to facilitate better communication and collaboration between the department and the General Assembly, ultimately leading to improved processing and delivery of benefits to those in need. The act will take effect upon becoming law, emphasizing the urgency of its provisions for public welfare.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 71-5-318