---
kind: "section"
citation: "7 U.S.C. § 2026"
title: "7"
title_heading: "Agriculture"
number: "2026"
heading: "Research, demonstration, and evaluations"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/7/2026"
units:
  - "Chapter 51 — Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program"
---

# §2026. Research, demonstration, and evaluations

- (a) **Contracts or grants; issuance of aggregate allotments—**
  - (1) The [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) may enter into contracts with or make grants to public or private organizations or agencies under this section to undertake research that will help improve the administration and effectiveness of the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) in delivering nutrition-related [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d). The waiver authority of the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) under [subsection (b)](#b) shall extend to all contracts and grants under this section.
  - (2) The [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) may, on application, permit not more than two [State agencies](/usc/7/2012.md?p=s) to establish procedures that allow [households](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) whose monthly [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) do not exceed $20, at their option, to receive, in lieu of their [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) for the initial period under [section 2017 of this title](/usc/7/2017.md) and their regular [allotment](/usc/7/2012.md?p=b) in following months, and at intervals of up to 3 months thereafter, aggregate [allotments](/usc/7/2012.md?p=b) not to exceed $60 and covering not more than 3 months’ [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d). The [allotments](/usc/7/2012.md?p=b) shall be provided in accordance with paragraphs (3) and (9) of [section 2020(e) of this title](/usc/7/2020.md?p=e) (except that no [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) shall begin to receive combined [allotments](/usc/7/2012.md?p=b) under this section until it has complied with all applicable verification requirements of [section 2020(e)(3) of this title](/usc/7/2020.md?p=e-3)) and (with respect to the first aggregate [allotment](/usc/7/2012.md?p=b) so issued) within 40 days of the last [benefit](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) issuance.
- (b) **Pilot projects—**
  - (1)
    - (A) The [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) may conduct on a trial basis, in one or more areas of the United States, pilot or experimental projects designed to test program changes that might increase the efficiency of the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) and improve the delivery of [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) to eligible [households](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1), and may waive any requirement of this chapter to the extent necessary for the project to be conducted.
    - (B) **Project requirements.—**
      - (i) **Program goal.—** The [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) may not conduct a project under [subparagraph (A)](#b-1-A) unless—
        - (I) the project is consistent with the goal of the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) of providing [food](/usc/7/2012.md?p=k) assistance to raise levels of nutrition among low-income individuals; and
        - (II) the project includes an evaluation to determine the effects of the project.
      - (ii) **Permissible projects.—** The [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) may conduct a project under [subparagraph (A)](#b-1-A) to—
        - (I) improve program administration;
        - (II) increase the self-sufficiency of [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) recipients;
        - (III) test innovative welfare reform strategies; or
        - (IV) allow greater conformity with the rules of other programs than would be allowed but for this paragraph.
      - (iii) **Restrictions on permissible projects.—** If the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) finds that a project under [subparagraph (A)](#b-1-A) would reduce [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) by more than 20 percent for more than 5 percent of [households](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) in the area subject to the project (not including any [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) whose [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) are reduced due to a failure to comply with work or other conduct requirements), the project—
        - (I) may not include more than 15 percent of the number of [households](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) in the [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) receiving [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d); and
        - (II) shall continue for not more than 5 years after the date of implementation, unless the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) approves an extension requested by the [State agency](/usc/7/2012.md?p=s) at any time.
      - (iv) **Impermissible projects.—** The [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) may not conduct a project under [subparagraph (A)](#b-1-A) that—
        - (I) involves the payment of the value of an [allotment](/usc/7/2012.md?p=b) in the form of cash or otherwise providing [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) in a form not restricted to the purchase of [food](/usc/7/2012.md?p=k), unless the project was approved prior to August 22, 1996;
        - (II) has the effect of substantially transferring funds made available under this chapter to services or [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) provided primarily through another public assistance program, or using the funds for any purpose other than the purchase of [food](/usc/7/2012.md?p=k), program administration, or an [employment](/usc/7/2012.md?p=j-7) or training program;
        - (III) is inconsistent with—
          - (aa) paragraphs (4) and (5) of [section 2012(m) of this title](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m);
          - (bb) the last sentence of [section 2014(a) of this title](/usc/7/2014.md?p=a), insofar as a waiver denies assistance to an otherwise eligible [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) or individual if the [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) or individual has not failed to comply with any work, behavioral, or other conduct requirement under this or another program;
          - (cc) [section 2014(c)(2) of this title](/usc/7/2014.md?p=c-2);
          - (dd) paragraph (2)(B), (4)(F)(i), or (4)(K) of [section 2015(d) of this title](/usc/7/2015.md?p=d);
          - (ee) [section 2017(b) of this title](/usc/7/2017.md?p=b);
          - (ff) [section 2020(e)(2)(B) of this title](/usc/7/2020.md?p=e-2-B);
          - (gg) the time standard under [section 2020(e)(3) of this title](/usc/7/2020.md?p=e-3);
          - (hh) subsection (a), (c), (g), (h)(1)(F), (h)(2), or (h)(3) of [section 2025 of this title](/usc/7/2025.md);
          - (ii) this paragraph; or
          - (jj) subsection (a)(1) or (g)(1) of [section 2029 of this title](/usc/7/2029.md);
        - (IV) modifies the operation of [section 2014 of this title](/usc/7/2014.md) so as to have the effect of—
          - (aa) increasing the shelter deduction to [households](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) with no out-of-pocket housing costs or housing costs that consume a low percentage of the [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1)’s income; or
          - (bb) absolving a [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) from acting with reasonable promptness on substantial reported changes in income or [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) size (except that this subclause shall not apply with regard to changes related to [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) deductions);
        - (V) is not limited to a specific time period;
        - (VI) waives a provision of [section 2035 of this title](/usc/7/2035.md); or
        - (VII) waives a provision of [section 2016(i) of this title](/usc/7/2016.md?p=i).
      - (v) **Additional included projects.—** A pilot or experimental project may include projects involving the payment of the value of [allotments](/usc/7/2012.md?p=b) or the average value of [allotments](/usc/7/2012.md?p=b) by [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) size in the form of cash to eligible [households](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) all of whose members are age sixty-five or over or any of whose members are entitled to supplemental [security](/usc/7/24.md?p=b) income [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) under title XVI of the Social Security Act [[42 U.S.C. 1381](/usc/42/1381.md) et seq.] or are receiving assistance under a [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) program funded under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act ([42 U.S.C. 601](/usc/42/601.md) et seq.), the use of identification mechanisms that do not invade a [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1)’s privacy, and the use of [food](/usc/7/2012.md?p=k) checks or other voucher-type forms in place of [EBT cards](/usc/7/2012.md?p=i).
      - (vi) **Cash payment pilot projects.—** Subject to the availability of appropriations under [section 2027(a) of this title](/usc/7/2027.md?p=a), any pilot or experimental project implemented under this paragraph and operating as of October 1, 1981, involving the payment of the value of [allotments](/usc/7/2012.md?p=b) in the form of cash to eligible [households](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) all of whose members are either age sixty-five or over or entitled to supplemental [security](/usc/7/24.md?p=b) income [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) under title XVI of the Social Security Act shall be continued if the [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) so requests.
    - (C)
      - (i) No waiver or demonstration program shall be approved under this chapter after November 28, 1990, unless—
        - (I) any [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) whose [food](/usc/7/2012.md?p=k) assistance is issued in a form other than [EBT cards](/usc/7/2012.md?p=i) has its [allotment](/usc/7/2012.md?p=b) increased to the extent necessary to compensate for any [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) or local sales tax that may be collected in all or part of the area covered by the demonstration project, the tax on purchases of [food](/usc/7/2012.md?p=k) by any such [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) is waived, or the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) determines on the basis of information provided by the [State agency](/usc/7/2012.md?p=s) that the increase is unnecessary on the basis of the limited nature of the items subject to the [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) or local sales tax; and
        - (II) the [State agency](/usc/7/2012.md?p=s) conducting the demonstration project pays the cost of any increased [allotments](/usc/7/2012.md?p=b).
      - (ii) [Clause (i)](#b-1-C-i) shall not apply if a waiver or demonstration project already provides a [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) with assistance that exceeds that which the [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) would otherwise be eligible to receive by more than the estimated amount of any sales tax on the purchases of [food](/usc/7/2012.md?p=k) that would be collected from the [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) in the project area in which the [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) resides.
    - (D) **Response to waivers.—**
      - (i) **Response.—** Not later than 60 days after the date of receiving a request for a waiver under [subparagraph (A)](#b-1-A), the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) shall provide a response that—
        - (I) approves the waiver request;
        - (II) denies the waiver request and describes any modification needed for approval of the waiver request;
        - (III) denies the waiver request and describes the grounds for the denial; or
        - (IV) requests clarification of the waiver request.
      - (ii) **Failure to respond.—** If the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) does not provide a response in accordance with [clause (i)](#b-1-D-i), the waiver shall be considered approved, unless the approval is specifically prohibited by this chapter.
      - (iii) **Notice of denial.—** On denial of a waiver request under [clause (i)(III)](#b-1-D-i-III), the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) shall provide a copy of the waiver request and a description of the reasons for the denial to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate.
  - (2)
    - (A) The [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) may conduct demonstration projects to test improved consistency or coordination between the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) [employment](/usc/7/2012.md?p=j-7) and training program and the Job Opportunities and Basic Skills program under title IV of the Social Security Act ([42 U.S.C. 601](/usc/42/601.md) et seq.).
    - (B) Notwithstanding [paragraph (1)](#b-1), the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) may, as part of a project authorized under this paragraph, waive requirements under [section 2015(d) of this title](/usc/7/2015.md?p=d) to permit a [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) to operate an [employment](/usc/7/2012.md?p=j-7) and training program for [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) recipients on the same terms and conditions under which the [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) operates its Job Opportunities and Basic Skills program for recipients of aid to families with dependent children under part F[^1] of title IV of the Social Security Act ([42 U.S.C. 681](https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(/us/usc/t42/s681)) et seq.). Any work experience program conducted as part of the project shall be conducted in conformity with section 482(f)[^1] of such Act ([42 U.S.C. 682(f)](https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(/us/usc/t42/s682/f))).
    - (C) A [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) seeking such a waiver shall provide assurances that the resulting [employment](/usc/7/2012.md?p=j-7) and training program shall meet the requirements of subsections [(a)(19)](/usc/7/402.md) and [(g)](/usc/7/402.md) of section 402[^1] of such Act ([42 U.S.C. 602](/usc/42/602.md)) (but not including the provision of transitional [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) under clauses [(ii)](/usc/7/402.md) through [(vii)](/usc/7/402.md) of section 402(g)(1)(A)[^1]) and sections 481 through 487[^1] of such Act ([42 U.S.C. 681](https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(/us/usc/t42/s681)) through 687). Each reference to “aid to families with dependent children” in such sections shall be deemed to be a reference to [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) for purposes of the demonstration project.
    - (D) Notwithstanding the other provisions of this paragraph, participation in an [employment](/usc/7/2012.md?p=j-7) and training activity in which [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) are converted to cash shall occur only with the consent of the participant.
    - (E) For the purposes of any project conducted under this paragraph, the provisions of this chapter affecting the rights of recipients may be waived to the extent necessary to conform to the provisions of [section 402](/usc/7/402.md), and sections 481 through 487,[^1] of the Social Security Act.
    - (F) At least 60 days prior to granting final approval of a project under this paragraph, the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) shall publish the terms and conditions for any demonstration project conducted under the paragraph for public comment in the Federal Register and shall notify the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate.
    - (G) Waivers may be granted under this paragraph to conduct projects at any one time in a total of up to 60 project areas (or parts of project areas), as such areas are defined in regulations in effect on January 1, 1990.
    - (H) A waiver for a change in program rules may be granted under this paragraph only for a demonstration project that has been approved by the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p), that will be evaluated according to criteria prescribed by the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p), and that will be in operation for no more than 4 years.
    - (I) The [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) may not grant a waiver under this paragraph on or after August 22, 1996. Any reference in this paragraph to a provision of title IV of the Social Security Act [[42 U.S.C. 601](/usc/42/601.md) et seq.] shall be deemed to be a reference to such provision as in effect on the day before August 22, 1996.
- (c) **Evaluation measures; pilot programs for nutritional monitoring—** The [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) shall develop and implement measures for evaluating, on an annual or more frequent basis, the effectiveness of the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) in achieving its stated objectives, including, but not limited to, the program’s impact upon the nutritional and economic status of participating [households](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1), the program’s impact upon all sectors of the agricultural economy, including farmers and ranchers, as well as [retail food stores](/usc/7/2012.md?p=o), and the program’s relative fairness to [households](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) of different income levels, different age composition, different size, and different regions of residence. Further, the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) shall, by way of making contracts with or grants to public or private organizations or agencies, implement pilot programs to test various means of measuring on a continuing basis the nutritional status of low income people, with special emphasis on people who are eligible for supplemental nutrition assistance, in order to develop minimum common criteria and methods for systematic nutrition monitoring that could be applied on a nationwide basis. The locations of the pilot programs shall be selected to provide a representative geographic and demographic cross-section of political subdivisions that reflect natural usage patterns of health and nutritional services and that contain high proportions of low income people. The [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) shall report on the progress of these pilot programs on an annual basis commencing on July 1, 1982, to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate, together with such recommendations as the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) deems appropriate.
- (d) **Employment initiatives program—**
  - (1) **Election to participate—**
    - (A) **In general—** Subject to the other provisions of this subsection, a [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) may elect to carry out an [employment](/usc/7/2012.md?p=j-7) initiatives program under this subsection.
    - (B) **Requirement—** A [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) shall be eligible to carry out an [employment](/usc/7/2012.md?p=j-7) initiatives program under this subsection only if not less than 50 percent of the [households](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) in the [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) that received [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) during the summer of 1993 also received [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) under a [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) program funded under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act ([42 U.S.C. 601](/usc/42/601.md) et seq.) during the summer of 1993.
  - (2) **Procedure—**
    - (A) **In general—** A [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) that has elected to carry out an [employment](/usc/7/2012.md?p=j-7) initiatives program under [paragraph (1)](#d-1) may use amounts equal to the [allotments](/usc/7/2012.md?p=b) that would otherwise be issued to a [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) under the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t), but for the operation of this subsection, to provide cash [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) in lieu of the [allotments](/usc/7/2012.md?p=b) to the [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) if the [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) is eligible under [paragraph (3)](#d-3).
    - (B) **Payment—** The [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) shall pay to each [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) that has elected to carry out an [employment](/usc/7/2012.md?p=j-7) initiatives program under [paragraph (1)](#d-1) an amount equal to the value of the [allotment](/usc/7/2012.md?p=b) that each [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) participating in the program in the [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) would be eligible to receive under this chapter but for the operation of this subsection.
    - (C) **Other provisions—** For purposes of the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) (other than this subsection)—
      - (i) cash assistance under this subsection shall be considered to be an [allotment](/usc/7/2012.md?p=b); and
      - (ii) each [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) receiving cash [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) under this subsection shall not receive any other [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) during the period for which the cash assistance is provided.
    - (D) **Additional payments—** Each [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) that has elected to carry out an [employment](/usc/7/2012.md?p=j-7) initiatives program under [paragraph (1)](#d-1) shall—
      - (i) increase the cash [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) provided to each [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) participating in the program in the [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) under this subsection to compensate for any [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) or local sales tax that may be collected on purchases of [food](/usc/7/2012.md?p=k) by the [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1), unless the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) determines on the basis of information provided by the [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) that the increase is unnecessary on the basis of the limited nature of the items subject to the [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) or local sales tax; and
      - (ii) pay the cost of any increase in cash [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) required by [clause (i)](#d-2-D-i).
  - (3) **Eligibility—** A [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) shall be eligible to receive cash [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) under [paragraph (2)](#d-2) if an adult member of the [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1)—
    - (A) has worked in unsubsidized [employment](/usc/7/2012.md?p=j-7) for not less than the preceding 90 days;
    - (B) has earned not less than $350 per month from the [employment](/usc/7/2012.md?p=j-7) referred to in [subparagraph (A)](#d-3-A) for not less than the preceding 90 days;
    - (C)
      - (i) is receiving [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) under a [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) program funded under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act ([42 U.S.C. 601](/usc/42/601.md) et seq.); or
      - (ii) was receiving [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) under a [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) program funded under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act ([42 U.S.C. 601](/usc/42/601.md) et seq.) at the time the member first received cash [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) under this subsection and is no longer eligible for the [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) program because of earned income;
    - (D) is continuing to earn not less than $350 per month from the [employment](/usc/7/2012.md?p=j-7) referred to in [subparagraph (A)](#d-3-A); and
    - (E) elects to receive cash [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) in lieu of [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) under this subsection.
  - (4) **Evaluation—** A [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) that operates a program under this subsection for 2 years shall provide to the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) a written evaluation of the impact of cash assistance under this subsection. The [State agency](/usc/7/2012.md?p=s), with the concurrence of the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p), shall determine the content of the evaluation.
- (e) **Study and report to Congressional committees of effect of reduction of benefits—** The [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) shall conduct a study of the effects of reductions made in [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) provided under this chapter pursuant to part 1 of subtitle A of title I of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981, the [Food](/usc/7/2012.md?p=k) Stamp and Commodity Distribution Amendments of 1981, the [Food](/usc/7/2012.md?p=k) Stamp Act Amendments of 1982, and any other laws enacted by the Ninety-seventh Congress which affect the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t). The study shall include a study of the effect of retrospective accounting and periodic reporting procedures established under such Acts, including the impact on [benefit](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) and administrative costs and on error rates and the degree to which eligible [households](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) are denied [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) for failure to file complete periodic reports. The [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate an interim report on the results of such study no later than February 1, 1984, and a final report on the results of such study no later than March 1, 1985.
- (f) **Demonstration projects for development and use of intelligent benefit cards to pay benefits—** In order to encourage [States](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) to plan, design, develop, and implement a system for making [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) available through the use of intelligent [benefit](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) cards or other automated or electronic [benefit](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) delivery systems, the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) may conduct one or more pilot or experimental projects, subject to the restrictions imposed by [subsection (b)(1)](#b-1) and [section 2016(f)(2) of this title](/usc/7/2016.md?p=f-2), designed to test whether the use of such cards or systems can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of program operations while ensuring that individuals receive correct [benefit](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) amounts on a timely basis. Intelligent [benefit](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) cards developed under such a demonstration project shall contain information, encoded on a computer chip embedded in a credit card medium, including the eligibility of the individual and the amount of [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) to which such individual is entitled. Any other automated or electronic [benefit](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) delivery system developed under such a demonstration project shall be able to use a plastic card to access such information from a data file.
- (g) **Study of effectiveness of employment and training programs—** In order to assess the effectiveness of the [employment](/usc/7/2012.md?p=j-7) and training programs established under [section 2015(d) of this title](/usc/7/2015.md?p=d) in placing individuals into the work force and withdrawing such individuals from the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t), the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) is authorized to carry out studies comparing the pre- and post-program labor force participation, wage rates, family income, level of receipt of [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) and other transfer payments, and other relevant information, for samples of participants in such [employment](/usc/7/2012.md?p=j-7) and training programs as compared to the appropriate control or comparison groups that did not participate in such programs. Such studies shall, to the maximum extent possible—
  - (1) collect such data for up to 3 years after the individual has completed the [employment](/usc/7/2012.md?p=j-7) and training program; and
  - (2) yield results that can be generalized to the national program as a whole.

  The results of such studies and reports shall be considered in developing or updating the performance standards required under [section 2015 of this title](/usc/7/2015.md).

- (h) **Demonstration projects for vehicle exclusion limits—** The [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) shall conduct a sufficient number of demonstration projects to evaluate the effects, in both rural and urban areas, of including in financial resources under [section 2014(g) of this title](/usc/7/2014.md?p=g) the fair [market](/usc/7/198.md?p=1) value of licensed vehicles to the extent the value of each vehicle exceeds $4,500, but excluding the value of—
  - (1) any licensed vehicle that is used to produce earned income, necessary for transportation of an elderly or physically disabled [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) member, or used as the [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1)’s home; and
  - (2) one licensed vehicle used to obtain, continue, or seek [employment](/usc/7/2012.md?p=j-7) (including travel to and from work), used to pursue [employment](/usc/7/2012.md?p=j-7)-related education or training, or used to secure [food](/usc/7/2012.md?p=k) or the [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) of the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t).
- (i) **Testing resource accumulation—** The [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) shall conduct, under such terms and conditions as the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) shall prescribe, for a period not to exceed 4 years, projects to test allowing not more than 11,000 eligible [households](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1), in the aggregate, to accumulate resources up to $10,000 each (which shall be excluded from consideration as a resource) for later expenditure for a purpose directly related to improving the education, training, or employability (including self-[employment](/usc/7/2012.md?p=j-7)) of [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) members, for the purchase of a home for the [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1), for a change of the [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1)’s residence, or for making major repairs to the [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1)’s home.
- (j) **Demonstration projects directed at benefit trafficking—** The [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) shall use up to $4,000,000 of the funds provided in advance in appropriations Acts for projects authorized by this section to conduct demonstration projects in which [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) or local [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) agencies test innovative ideas for working with [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) or local law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute [benefit](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) trafficking.
- (k) **Pilot projects to evaluate health and nutrition promotion in the supplemental nutrition assistance program—**
  - (1) **In general—** The [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) shall carry out, under such terms and conditions as the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) considers to be appropriate, pilot projects to develop and test methods—
    - (A) of using the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) to improve the dietary and health status of [households](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) eligible for or participating in the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t); and
    - (B) to reduce overweight, obesity (including childhood obesity), and associated co-morbidities in the United States.
  - (2) **Grants—**
    - (A) **In general—** In carrying out this subsection, the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) may enter into competitively awarded contracts or cooperative agreements with, or provide grants to, public or private organizations or agencies (as defined by the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p)), for use in accordance with projects that meet the strategy goals of this subsection.
    - (B) **Application—** To be eligible to receive a contract, cooperative agreement, or grant under this paragraph, an organization shall submit to the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) may require.
    - (C) **Selection criteria—** Pilot projects shall be evaluated against publicly disseminated criteria that may include—
      - (i) identification of a low-income target audience that corresponds to individuals living in [households](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) with incomes at or below 185 percent of the poverty level;
      - (ii) incorporation of a scientifically based strategy that is designed to improve diet quality through more healthful [food](/usc/7/2012.md?p=k) purchases, preparation, or consumption;
      - (iii) a commitment to a pilot project that allows for a rigorous outcome evaluation, including data collection;
      - (iv) strategies to improve the nutritional value of [food](/usc/7/2012.md?p=k) served during school hours and during after-school hours;
      - (v) innovative ways to provide significant improvement to the health and wellness of children;
      - (vi) other criteria, as determined by the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p).
    - (D) **Use of funds—** Funds provided under this paragraph shall not be used for any project that limits the use of [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) under this chapter.
  - (3) **Projects—** Pilot projects carried out under [paragraph (1)](#k-1) may include projects to determine whether healthier [food](/usc/7/2012.md?p=k) purchases by and healthier diets among [households](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) participating in the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) result from projects that—
    - (A) increase the supplemental nutrition assistance purchasing power of the participating [households](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) by providing increased [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) [benefit](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) [allotments](/usc/7/2012.md?p=b) to the participating [households](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1);
    - (B) increase access to farmers[^2] [markets](/usc/7/198.md?p=1) by participating [households](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) through the electronic redemption of [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) at farmers’ [markets](/usc/7/198.md?p=1);
    - (C) provide incentives to authorized [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) [retailers](/usc/7/499a.md?p=b-11) to increase the availability of healthy [foods](/usc/7/2012.md?p=k) to participating [households](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1);
    - (D) subject authorized [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) [retailers](/usc/7/499a.md?p=b-11) to stricter [retailer](/usc/7/499a.md?p=b-11) requirements with respect to carrying and stocking healthful [foods](/usc/7/2012.md?p=k);
    - (E) provide incentives at the point of purchase to encourage [households](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) participating in the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) to purchase fruits, vegetables, or other healthful [foods](/usc/7/2012.md?p=k); or
    - (F) provide to participating [households](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) integrated communication and education programs, including the provision of funding for a portion of a school-based nutrition coordinator to implement a broad nutrition action plan and parent nutrition education programs in elementary schools, separately or in combination with pilot projects carried out under subparagraphs [(A)](#k-3-A) through [(E)](#k-3-E).
  - (4) **Evaluation and reporting—**
    - (A) **Evaluation—**
      - (i) **Independent evaluation—**
        - (I) **In general—** The [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) shall provide for an independent evaluation of projects selected under this subsection that measures the impact of the pilot program on health and nutrition as described in [paragraph (1)](#k-1).
        - (II) **Requirement—** The independent evaluation under [subclause (I)](#k-4-A-i-I) shall use rigorous methodologies, particularly random assignment or other methods that are capable of producing scientifically valid information regarding which activities are effective.
      - (ii) **Costs—** The [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) may use funds provided to carry out this section to pay costs associated with monitoring and evaluating each pilot project.
    - (B) **Reporting—** Not later than 90 days after the last day of fiscal year 2009 and each fiscal year thereafter until the completion of the last evaluation under [subparagraph (A)](#k-4-A), the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report that includes a description of—
      - (i) the status of each pilot project;
      - (ii) the results of the evaluation completed during the previous fiscal year; and
      - (iii) to the maximum extent practicable—
        - (I) the impact of the pilot project on appropriate health, nutrition, and associated behavioral outcomes among [households](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) participating in the pilot project;
        - (II) baseline information relevant to the stated goals and desired outcomes of the pilot project; and
        - (III) equivalent information about similar or identical measures among control or comparison groups that did not participate in the pilot project.
    - (C) **Public dissemination—** In addition to the reporting requirements under [subparagraph (B)](#k-4-B), evaluation results shall be shared broadly to inform policy makers, service providers, other partners, and the public in order to promote wide use of successful strategies.
  - (5) **Funding—**
    - (A) **Authorization of appropriations—** There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this section for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012.
    - (B) **Mandatory funding—** Out of any funds made available under [section 2027 of this title](/usc/7/2027.md), on October 1, 2008, the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) shall make available $20,000,000 to carry out a project described in [paragraph (3)(E)](#k-3-E), to remain available until expended.
- (l) **Cooperation with program research and evaluation—** Subject to the requirements of this chapter, including protections under [section 2020(e)(8) of this title](/usc/7/2020.md?p=e-8), [States](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r), [State agencies](/usc/7/2012.md?p=s), local agencies, institutions, facilities such as data consortiums, and contractors participating in programs authorized under this chapter shall—
  - (1) cooperate with officials and contractors acting on behalf of the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) in the conduct of evaluations and studies under this chapter; and
  - (2) submit information at such time and in such manner as the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) may require.
- (m) **Evaluation of child support enforcement cooperation requirements—**
  - (1) **In general—** The [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p), in consultation with the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) of Health and Human Services, shall conduct an independent evaluation of a representative sample of [States](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r)—
    - (A) to assess the implementation and impact of the eligibility requirements described in subsections (l) through (n) of [section 2015 of this title](/usc/7/2015.md) in [States](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) that have formerly implemented or continue to implement those requirements, and the feasibility of implementing those requirements in other [States](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r);
    - (B) to assess the factors that contributed to the decision of [States](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) that formerly implemented the eligibility requirements described in each of subsections (l) through (n) of [section 2015 of this title](/usc/7/2015.md) to cease such implementation;
    - (C) to review alternatives to the eligibility requirements described in each of subsections (l) through (n) of [section 2015 of this title](/usc/7/2015.md) that are used by other [States](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) to assist participants in the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) to make or receive child support payments and the effectiveness of those alternatives; and
    - (D) to evaluate the costs and [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) to [households](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) and to [State agencies](/usc/7/2012.md?p=s), of requiring [State agencies](/usc/7/2012.md?p=s) to implement each of the eligibility requirements described in subsections (l) through (n) of [section 2015 of this title](/usc/7/2015.md).
  - (2) **Evaluation—** The evaluation under [paragraph (1)](#m-1) shall include, to the maximum extent practicable, an assessment of—
    - (A) the manner in which applicable [State agencies](/usc/7/2012.md?p=s) implement and enforce the eligibility requirements described in [subparagraph (A)](#m-2-A) of such paragraph, including—
      - (i) the procedures used by each [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) to determine cooperation, to sanction participants for failure to cooperate, and to determine good cause for noncooperation under each of subsections (l) through (n) of [section 2015 of this title](/usc/7/2015.md); and
      - (ii) the manner in which each [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) aligns the procedures for implementing those eligibility requirements with procedures for implementing other Federal programs that require cooperation with child support enforcement, including the program of block grants to [States](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) for temporary assistance for needy families established under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act ([42 U.S.C. 601](/usc/42/601.md) et seq.), the Medicaid program under title XIX of the Social Security Act ([42 U.S.C. 1396](/usc/42/1396.md) et seq.), and programs carried out under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 ([42 U.S.C. 9857](/usc/42/9857.md) et seq.);
    - (B) the Federal, [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r), and local costs associated with implementing those eligibility requirements, including costs incurred under this chapter and by child support enforcement agencies for personnel, technology upgrades, and other costs;
    - (C) the effect of those eligibility requirements on the establishment of new child support orders, the establishment of paternity, changes in child support payments to custodial [households](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1), and changes in arrears owed on child support orders;
    - (D) with respect to the eligibility requirements under each of subsections (l) through (n) of [section 2015 of this title](/usc/7/2015.md)—
      - (i) the number of individuals subject to those requirements;
      - (ii) the number of individuals in each [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) who meet those requirements; and
      - (iii) the number of individuals in each [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) who fail to meet those requirements;
    - (E) the number of individuals in each [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) for whom good cause for noncooperation has been found under [section 2015(l)(2)](/usc/7/2015.md?p=l-2) of this title;
    - (F) the impact of those eligibility requirements on the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) eligibility, [benefit](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) levels, [food](/usc/7/2012.md?p=k) [security](/usc/7/24.md?p=b), income, and economic stability of—
      - (i) individuals subject to those requirements;
      - (ii) the [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) members of those individuals, including children; and
      - (iii) [households](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) with nontraditional family structures, including a [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) in which a grandparent is the primary caretaker of a grandchild of the grandparent.
  - (3) **State agency cooperation—** Each [State agency](/usc/7/2012.md?p=s) selected under [paragraph (1)](#m-1) shall provide information to the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) necessary to conduct the evaluation under such paragraph.
  - (4) **Report—** Not later than 3 years after December 20, 2018, the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report describing the findings from the evaluation conducted under [paragraph (1)](#m-1).
- (n) **Longitudinal data for research—**
  - (1) **In general—** Subject to paragraphs [(3)](#n-3) through [(5)](#n-5), a [State agency](/usc/7/2012.md?p=s) may, on approval by the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p), establish a longitudinal database that contains information about [households](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) and members of [households](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) that receive [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) under the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) in the [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r).
  - (2) **Purpose—** Each longitudinal database established under [paragraph (1)](#n-1) shall be used solely to conduct research on participation in and the operation of the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t), including duration of participation in the program.
  - (3) **Requirements for databases—** Prior to the approval of [State agencies](/usc/7/2012.md?p=s) to establish longitudinal databases under [paragraph (1)](#n-1), the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) shall—
    - (A) identify features that shall be standard across [States](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) such as database format to facilitate use of longitudinal databases established under [paragraph (1)](#n-1) for research purposes;
    - (B) identify features of longitudinal databases established under [paragraph (1)](#n-1) that may vary across [States](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r);
    - (C) identify a procedure for [States](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) operating longitudinal databases under [paragraph (1)](#n-1) to use a unique identifier to provide relevant information on [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) members who receive [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) under the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) for the purpose of comparing participation data in multiple participating [States](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) over time while protecting participant privacy;
    - (D) establish the manner in which data [security](/usc/7/24.md?p=b) and privacy protections, as required by Federal law and consistent with other appropriate practices, shall be implemented and maintained;
    - (E) provide direction to [State agencies](/usc/7/2012.md?p=s) on the responsibilities of and funding arrangements for [State agencies](/usc/7/2012.md?p=s) and any [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) contractors (including entities providing technical assistance) relating to the establishment and operation of a longitudinal database;
    - (F) provide a description of the documentation that [States](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) shall submit to the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) prior to allowing researchers access to a longitudinal database;
    - (G) consult with other Federal research agencies, including the Bureau of the Census;
    - (H) consult with [States](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) that have already established databases used for purposes similar to the purposes outlined in this subsection; and
    - (I) identify any other requirements determined appropriate by the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p).
  - (4) **Included data—**
    - (A) **In general—** Subject to [subparagraph (B)](#n-4-B), each longitudinal database established under [paragraph (1)](#n-1)—
      - (i) shall include monthly information about [households](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) and members of [households](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) that receive [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) under the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) in the participating [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) taken from existing information collected by the [State agency](/usc/7/2012.md?p=s) including, if available,—
        - (I) demographic characteristics;
        - (II) income and financial resources (as described in [section 2014(g) of this title](/usc/7/2014.md?p=g));
        - (III) [employment](/usc/7/2012.md?p=j-7) status;
        - (IV) [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) circumstances, such as deductible expenses; and
        - (V) the amount of the monthly [allotment](/usc/7/2012.md?p=b) received under the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t); and
      - (ii) may include information from other [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) data sources such as—
        - (I) earnings and [employment](/usc/7/2012.md?p=j-7) data from the State department of labor;
        - (II) health insurance program data; or
        - (III) data from participation in other programs administered by the [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r).
    - (B) **Data protection—** Any [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) that establishes a longitudinal database under [paragraph (1)](#n-1) shall, in accordance with all applicable Federal and [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) privacy standards and requirements—
      - (i) protect the privacy of information about each member of each [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) that receives [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) under the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) in such [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) by ensuring that no personally identifiable information (including social [security](/usc/7/24.md?p=b) number, home address, or contact information) is included in the longitudinal database; and
      - (ii) make the data under this paragraph available to researchers and the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p).
  - (5) **Approval—** The [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) shall approve the establishment of longitudinal databases under [paragraph (1)](#n-1) in [States](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) that—
    - (A) meet the requirements for databases under paragraph [(3)](#n-3) and [(4)(B)](#n-4-B);
    - (B) reflect a range of participant numbers, demographics, operational structures, and geographic regions; and
    - (C) have the capacity to provide on a periodic and ongoing basis [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) and participant data derived from the eligibility system and other data sources of the [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r).
  - (6) **Grants—**
    - (A) **In general—** In carrying out this subsection, the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) may provide grants to [States](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) that have been approved by the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) in accordance with [paragraph (5)](#n-5) out of funds made available under [paragraph (9)](#n-9).
    - (B) **Method of awarding grants—** Grants awarded under this paragraph shall be made in such amounts and under such terms and conditions as the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) determines necessary to carry out the purposes of this subsection.
  - (7) **Report—**
    - (A) **In general—** Not later than 4 years after the effective date of this subsection, the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report on the feasibility of expanding implementation of longitudinal databases to every [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r).
    - (B) **Contents—** The report required under [subparagraph (A)](#n-7-A) shall describe—
      - (i) the cost of expanding implementation of longitudinal databases with consistent data to every [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r);
      - (ii) the challenges and [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) of using [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) longitudinal databases with consistent data; and
      - (iii) alternatives to expanding implementation of longitudinal databases with consistent data to every [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) that may achieve similar research outcomes and the advantages and disadvantages of those alternatives.
  - (8) **Effect—** Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prevent or limit the ability of [State agencies](/usc/7/2012.md?p=s) to establish or continue operating databases used for purposes similar to the purposes outlined in this subsection.
  - (9) **Funding—** Of the funds made available under [section 2027 of this title](/usc/7/2027.md), the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) shall use to carry out this subsection—
    - (A) $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2019 to remain available through fiscal year 2021; and
    - (B) $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2022 and each fiscal year thereafter.

## Footnotes

[^1]: See References in Text note below.
[^2]: So in original. Probably should be “farmers’ ”.

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 88–525, § 17, as added Pub. L. 93–86, § 3(n), Aug. 10, 1973, 87 Stat. 248; amended Pub. L. 95–113, title XIII, § 1301, Sept. 29, 1977, 91 Stat. 977; Pub. L. 95–400, Sept. 30, 1978, 92 Stat. 856; Pub. L. 96–249, title I, §§ 130–132(a), 133, May 26, 1980, 94 Stat. 367, 368; Pub. L. 97–98, title XIII, §§ 1328–1330, Dec. 22, 1981, 95 Stat. 1289, 1290; Pub. L. 97–253, title I, §§ 152(c), 181, 182, 190(d), Sept. 8, 1982, 96 Stat. 776, 784, 785, 787; Pub. L. 99–114, § 4, Oct. 1, 1985, 99 Stat. 488; Pub. L. 99–157, § 2, Nov. 15, 1985, 99 Stat. 818; Pub. L. 99–182, § 2, Dec. 13, 1985, 99 Stat. 1173; Pub. L. 99–198, title XV, § 1540, Dec. 23, 1985, 99 Stat. 1588; Pub. L. 100–435, title V, §§ 504, 505, Sept. 19, 1988, 102 Stat. 1673; Pub. L. 101–624, title XVII, §§ 1729(b), 1731, 1754–1759, Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 3790, 3798–3800, 3802; Pub. L. 102–237, title IX, § 941(8), Dec. 13, 1991, 105 Stat. 1893; Pub. L. 103–66, title XIII, § 13925, Aug. 10, 1993, 107 Stat. 675; Pub. L. 103–225, title II, § 204, Mar. 25, 1994, 108 Stat. 109; Pub. L. 104–127, title IV, § 401(c), (d), Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1026; Pub. L. 104–193, title I, § 109(d), title VIII, §§ 815(b)(1), 850–852, 854(c)(2), Aug. 22, 1996, 110 Stat. 2169, 2317, 2336–2338, 2342; Pub. L. 105–18, title VII, [(b)], June 12, 1997, 111 Stat. 217; Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, § 101(f) [title VIII, § 405(d)(2)(C), (f)(2)(C)], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–337, 2681–418, 2681–429; Pub. L. 107–171, title IV, §§ 4112(b)(4), 4116(b), 4122(b), 4123(a), May 13, 2002, 116 Stat. 313, 316, 324; Pub. L. 110–234, title IV, §§ 4001(b), 4002(a)(9), 4115(b)(12), 4141, 4406(a)(5), May 22, 2008, 122 Stat. 1092, 1094, 1108, 1117, 1141; Pub. L. 110–246, § 4(a), title IV, §§ 4001(b), 4002(a)(9), 4115(b)(12), 4141, 4406(a)(5), June 18, 2008, 122 Stat. 1664, 1853, 1855, 1869, 1879, 1902; Pub. L. 113–79, title IV, §§ 4022(b)(3), 4023, Feb. 7, 2014, 128 Stat. 808, 809; Pub. L. 113–128, title V, § 512(l)(3), July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1709; Pub. L. 115–334, title IV, §§ 4005(e), 4014, 4015(a), 4022(7), Dec. 20, 2018, 132 Stat. 4634, 4643–4645, 4653.)

## Notes

### Editorial Notes

### References in Text

The Social Security Act, referred to in subsecs. (b)(1)(B)(v), (vi), (2)(A), (B), (I), (d)(1)(B), (3)(C), and (m)(2)(A)(ii), is act Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, 49 Stat. 620. Title IV, part A of title IV, title XVI, and title XIX of the Act are classified generally to subchapter IV (§ 601 et seq.), part A (§ 601 et seq.) of subchapter IV, subchapter XVI (§ 1381 et seq.), and subchapter XIX (§ 1396 et seq.), respectively, of chapter 7 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. Part F of title IV of the Act was classified generally to part F (§ 681 et seq.) of subchapter IV of chapter 7 of Title 42, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 104–193, title I, § 108(e), Aug. 22, 1996, 110 Stat. 2167. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1305 of Title 42 and Tables.

Sections 481 to 487 of the Social Security Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(2)(B), (C), (E), were classified to section 681 to 687, respectively, of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 104–193, title I, § 108(e), Aug. 22, 1996, 110 Stat. 2167.

Section 402 of the Social Security Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(2)(C), which was classified to section 602 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, was repealed and a new section 402 enacted by Pub. L. 104–193, title I, § 103(a)(1), Aug. 22, 1996, 110 Stat. 2112, and, as so enacted, no longer contains subsecs. (a)(19) and (g).

The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981, referred to in subsec. (e), is Pub. L. 97–35, Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 357. Part 1 of subtitle A of title I of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act amended this chapter generally. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.

The Food Stamp and Commodity Distribution Amendments of 1981, referred to in subsec. (e), is title XIII of Pub. L. 97–98, Dec. 22, 1981, 95 Stat. 1282, which amended this chapter generally. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 1981 Amendment note set out under section 2011 of this title and Tables.

The Food Stamp Act Amendments of 1982, referred to in subsec. (e), is subtitle E of title I of Pub. L. 97–253, Sept. 8, 1982, 96 Stat. 772, which amended this chapter generally. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 1982 Amendment note set out under section 2011 of this title and Tables.

The Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990, referred to in subsec. (m)(2)(A)(ii), is subchapter C (§ 658A et seq.) of chapter 8 of subtitle A of title VI of Pub. L. 97–35, as added by Pub. L. 101–508, title V, § 5082(2), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1388–236, which is classified generally to subchapter II–B (§ 9857 et seq.) of chapter 105 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 9857(a) of Title 42 and Tables.

The effective date of this subsection, referred to in subsec. (n)(7)(A), probably means the date of enactment of Pub. L. 115–334, which added subsec. (n) and which was approved Dec. 20, 2018.

### Codification

Pub. L. 110–234 and Pub. L. 110–246 made identical amendments to this section. The amendments by Pub. L. 110–234 were repealed by section 4(a) of Pub. L. 110–246.

### Amendments

2018—Subsec. (b)(1)(B)(iv)(III)(aa). Pub. L. 115–334, § 4022(7), substituted “2012(m)” for “2012(n)”.

Subsec. (b)(2), (3). Pub. L. 115–334, § 4005(e), redesignated par. (3) as (2) and struck out former par. (2) which related to two pilot projects involving the performance of work in return for supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits and joint issuance of initial and interim reports by the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Labor to appropriate committees of Congress and a final report describing the results of such projects based upon their operation from commencement through the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 1981.

Subsec. (m). Pub. L. 115–334, § 4014, added subsec. (m).

Subsec. (n). Pub. L. 115–334, § 4015(a), added subsec. (n).

2014—Subsec. (b)(1)(B)(iv)(III)(hh). Pub. L. 113–79, § 4022(b)(3), inserted “(h)(1)(F),” after “(g),”.

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 113–128 substituted “a program carried out under title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act” for “a program carried out under title I of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998”.

Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 113–79, § 4023, added subsec. (l).

2008—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4001(b), substituted “supplemental nutrition assistance program” for “food stamp program”.

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4115(b)(12)(A), substituted “benefit issuance” for “coupon issuance”.

Pub. L. 110–246, § 4002(a)(9)(A), substituted “supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits” for “food stamp benefits” in two places.

Subsec. (b)(1)(A). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4002(a)(9)(B)(i)(I), substituted “supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits” for “food stamp benefits”.

Pub. L. 110–246, § 4001(b), substituted “efficiency of the supplemental nutrition assistance program” for “efficiency of the food stamp program”.

Subsec. (b)(1)(B)(i)(I). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4001(b), substituted “supplemental nutrition assistance program” for “food stamp program”.

Subsec. (b)(1)(B)(ii)(II). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4002(a)(9)(B)(i)(II)(aa), substituted “supplemental nutrition assistance program recipients” for “food stamp recipients”.

Subsec. (b)(1)(B)(iii)(I). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4002(a)(9)(B)(i)(II)(bb), substituted “the number of households in the State receiving supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits” for “the State’s food stamp households”.

Subsec. (b)(1)(B)(iv). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4115(b)(12)(B)(i)(I), in subcl. (I) inserted “or otherwise providing benefits in a form not restricted to the purchase of food” after “the form of cash”, in subcl. (III)(aa) substituted “section 2012(n)” for “section 2012(i)”, and in subcl. (VII) substituted “section 2016(i)” for “section 2016(j)”.

Subsec. (b)(1)(B)(iv)(IV)(bb). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4002(a)(9)(B)(i)(II)(cc), substituted “supplemental nutrition assistance program deductions” for “food stamp deductions”.

Subsec. (b)(1)(B)(v). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4115(b)(12)(B)(i)(II), struck out “countersigned food coupons or similar” before “identification mechanisms” and substituted “EBT cards” for “food coupons”.

Subsec. (b)(1)(B)(vi). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4406(a)(5), substituted “Subject to the availability of appropriations under section 2027(a) of this title, any pilot” for “Any pilot” and struck out “through October 1, 2007,” after “shall be continued”.

Subsec. (b)(1)(C)(i)(I). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4115(b)(12)(B)(ii), substituted “EBT cards” for “coupons”.

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4002(a)(9)(B)(ii), substituted “supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits” for “food stamp benefits”.

Pub. L. 110–246, § 4001(b), substituted “participate in the supplemental nutrition assistance program” for “participate in the food stamp program”.

Subsec. (b)(3)(A). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4002(a)(9)(B)(iii)(I), substituted “supplemental nutrition assistance program employment” for “food stamp employment”.

Subsec. (b)(3)(B). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4002(a)(9)(B)(iii)(II), substituted “supplemental nutrition assistance program recipients” for “food stamp recipients”.

Subsec. (b)(3)(C). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4002(a)(9)(B)(iii)(III), substituted “supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits” for “food stamps”.

Subsec. (b)(3)(D). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4002(a)(9)(B)(iii)(IV), substituted “supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits” for “food stamp benefits”.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4002(a)(9)(C), substituted “eligible for supplemental nutrition assistance” for “eligible for food stamps”.

Pub. L. 110–246, § 4001(b), substituted “effectiveness of the supplemental nutrition assistance program” for “effectiveness of the food stamp program”.

Subsec. (d)(1)(B). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4002(a)(9)(D)(i), substituted “supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits” for “food stamp benefits”.

Subsec. (d)(2)(A). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4002(a)(9)(D)(ii)(I), substituted “allotments” for “food stamp allotments” in two places.

Pub. L. 110–246, § 4001(b), substituted “supplemental nutrition assistance program” for “food stamp program”.

Subsec. (d)(2)(C). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4001(b), substituted “supplemental nutrition assistance program” for “food stamp program” in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (d)(2)(C)(ii). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4002(a)(9)(D)(ii)(II), substituted “supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits” for “food stamp benefit”.

Subsec. (d)(3)(E). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4002(a)(9)(D)(iii), substituted “supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits” for “food stamp benefits”.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4002(a)(9)(E), substituted “supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits” for “food stamp benefits”.

Pub. L. 110–246, § 4001(b), substituted “affect the supplemental nutrition assistance program” for “affect the food stamp program”.

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4115(b)(12)(C), substituted “section 2016(f)(2)” for “section 2016(g)(2)”.

Pub. L. 110–246, § 4002(a)(9)(E), substituted “supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits” for “food stamp benefits”.

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4002(a)(9)(F), substituted “receipt of supplemental nutrition assistance program and other transfer payments” for “receipt of food stamp and other transfer payments” in introductory provisions.

Pub. L. 110–246, § 4001(b), substituted “from the supplemental nutrition assistance program” for “from the food stamp program” in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (h)(2). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4001(b), substituted “supplemental nutrition assistance program” for “food stamp program”.

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4115(b)(12)(D), substituted “benefit trafficking” for “coupon trafficking”.

Pub. L. 110–246, § 4002(a)(9)(G), substituted “supplemental nutrition assistance program agencies” for “food stamp agencies”.

Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4141, added subsec. (k).

2002—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 107–171, § 4123(a), substituted “enter into contracts with or make grants to public or private organizations or agencies under this section to” for “, by way of making contracts with or grants to public or private organizations or agencies,” and inserted at end “The waiver authority of the Secretary under subsection (b) shall extend to all contracts and grants under this section.”

Subsec. (b)(1)(B)(iv)(III)(aa). Pub. L. 107–171, § 4112(b)(4), substituted “paragraphs (4) and (5) of section 2012(i) of this title” for “the last 2 sentences of section 2012(i) of this title”.

Subsec. (b)(1)(B)(vi). Pub. L. 107–171, § 4122(b), substituted “2007” for “2002”.

Subsecs. (i) to (k). Pub. L. 107–171, § 4116(b), redesignated subsecs. (j) and (k) as (i) and (j), respectively, and struck out former subsec. (i) which related to grants to improve food stamp participation.

1998—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 105–277, § 101(f) [title VIII, § 405(f)(2)(C)], in second sentence, struck out “the Job Training Partnership Act or” before “title I of the Workforce”.

Pub. L. 105–277, § 101(f) [title VIII, § 405(d)(2)(C)], in second sentence, substituted “to accept an offer of employment from a political subdivision or provider pursuant to a program carried out under the Job Training Partnership Act or title I of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998,” for “to accept an offer of employment from a political subdivision or a prime sponsor pursuant to the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. 812),” and substituted “, if all of the jobs supported under the program have been made available to participants in the program before the political subdivision or provider providing the jobs extends an offer of employment under this paragraph, and if the political subdivision or provider, in employing the person, complies with the requirements of Federal law that relate to the program.” for “: Provided, That all of the political subdivision’s or prime sponsor’s public service jobs supported under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. 812), are filled before such subdivision or sponsor can extend a job offer pursuant to this paragraph: Provided further, That the sponsor of each such project shall provide the assurances required of prime sponsors under section 205(c)(7), (8), (15), (19), and (24) of the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. 845(c)), and the Secretary shall require such sponsors to comply with the conditions contained in sections 208(a)(1), (4), and (5) and (c) and 703(4) of the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. 848(a) and (c) and 983).”

1997—Subsec. (b)(1)(B)(iv)(VII). Pub. L. 105–18 added subcl. (VII).

1996—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 104–193, §§ 850, 851, in first sentence, substituted “benefits to eligible households, and may waive any requirement of this chapter to the extent necessary for the project to be conducted.” along with subpar. (B) heading, cls. (i) to (iv), cl. (v) of subpar. (B) heading, and “A pilot or experimental project may include” for “benefits to eligible households, including”, in subpar. (B)(v), substituted “are receiving assistance under a State program funded under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.)” for “to aid to families with dependent children under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act”, substituted “coupons.” along with cl. (vi) of subpar. (B) heading and “Any pilot” for “coupons. The Secretary may waive the requirements of this chapter to the degree necessary for such projects to be conducted, except that no project, other than a project involving the payment of the average value of allotments by household size in the form of cash to eligible households or a project conducted under paragraph (3), shall be implemented which would lower or further restrict the income or resource standards or benefit levels provided pursuant to sections 2014 and 2017 of this title. Any pilot”, redesignated former subpar. (B) as (C), and added subpar. (D).

Pub. L. 104–193, § 109(d)(1), which directed substitution of “or are receiving assistance under a State program funded under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.)” for “to aid to families with dependent children under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act” in first sentence of subsec. (b)(1)(A), effective July 1, 1997, could not be executed because of amendment by Pub. L. 104–193 which redesignated portions of subsec. (b)(1)(A) and struck out the language sought to be amended. See above.

Pub. L. 104–127, § 401(c), substituted “October 1, 2002” for “October 1, 1995” in last sentence of par. (1)(A).

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 104–193, § 815(b)(1), substituted “section 2015(d)(1)(A)(i)” for “section 2015(d)(1)(i)” in second sentence.

Subsec. (b)(3)(I). Pub. L. 104–193, § 109(d)(2), added subpar. (I).

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 104–193, § 852, added subsec. (d) and struck out former subsec. (d) which authorized pilot projects for employment of applicants and recipients, defined “qualification period”, and provided for exceptions, waiver of requirements, and reestablishment of eligibility.

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 104–193, § 854(c)(2), redesignated subsec. (j) as (i) and struck out former subsec. (i) which authorized four demonstration projects, in both urban and rural areas, under which households in which each member received benefits under State plan approved under part A of title IV of Social Security Act would be issued monthly allotments following rules and procedures of programs under part A of title IV of Social Security Act, and without regard to eligibility, benefit, and administrative rules established under this chapter.

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 104–193, § 854(c)(2), redesignated subsec. (k) as (j). Former subsec. (j) redesignated (i).

Subsec. (j)(1)(A). Pub. L. 104–127, § 401(d), substituted “2002” for “1995”.

Subsecs. (k), (l). Pub. L. 104–193, § 854(c)(2)(B), redesignated subsec. (l) as (k). Former subsec. (k) redesignated (j).

1994—Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 103–225 added subsec. (l).

1993—Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 103–66 added subsec. (k).

1991—Subsec. (b)(3)(C). Pub. L. 102–237 inserted a closing parenthesis after “402(g)(1)(A)”.

1990—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 101–624, § 1731, designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 101–624, § 1756(1), inserted “or a project conducted under paragraph (3)” after “eligible households” in second sentence of subpar. (A).

Pub. L. 101–624, § 1755, designated existing provisions as subpar. (A) and added subpar. (B).

Pub. L. 101–624, § 1754, substituted “1995” for “1990”.

Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 101–624, § 1756(2), added par. (3).

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 101–624, § 1729(b), struck out par. (1) designation preceding text.

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 101–624, § 1757, added subsec. (h).

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 101–624, § 1758, added subsec. (i).

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 101–624, § 1759, added subsec. (j).

1988—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 100–435, § 504, added subsec. (f).

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 100–435, § 505, added subsec. (g).

1985—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 99–198, § 1540(a), substituted “October 1, 1990” for “December 31, 1985”.

Pub. L. 99–182 substituted “December 31, 1985” for “December 13, 1985”.

Pub. L. 99–157 substituted “December 13, 1985” for “November 15, 1985”.

Pub. L. 99–114 substituted “through November 15, 1985” for “until October 1, 1985”.

Subsecs. (d) to (f). Pub. L. 99–198, § 1540(b), (c), struck out subsec. (d) which had authorized the Secretary to conduct statewide pilot projects respecting the processing of applications for certain recipients, and redesignated subsecs. (e) and (f) as (d) and (e), respectively.

1982—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 97–253, §§ 152(c), 190(d), redesignated subsec. (f) as (d), and struck out former subsec. (d), which provided that notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary has required, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, to conduct a study, through the use of Federal income tax data, of the feasibility, alternative methods of implementation, and the effects of a program to recover food stamp benefits from members of eligible households in which the adjusted gross income of members of such households for a calendar year (as defined by the Internal Revenue Code of 1954) exceeded twice the income poverty guidelines set forth in section 2014(c) of this title, and that such study had to be conducted in rural and urban areas only on a voluntary basis by food stamp recipients, and that the Secretary was required, no later than twelve months and eighteen months from September 29, 1977, to report the results of the study to the Committees on Agriculture and Ways and Means of the House of Representatives and to the Committees on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry and Finance of the Senate, together with such recommendations as the Secretary deemed appropriate.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 97–253, §§ 152(c), 190(d), redesignated subsec. (g) as (e) and struck out former subsec. (e) which provided for a study of the Consumer Price Index and other alternative consumer price or cost-of-living indices.

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 97–253, § 190(d), redesignated subsec. (h) as (f). Former subsec. (f) redesignated (d).

Subsecs. (g), (h). Pub. L. 97–253, §§ 181, 182, 190(d), added subsecs. (g) and (h) and redesignated them as (e) and (f), respectively.

1981—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 97–98, § 1328, substituted “may conduct” for “is authorized to conduct”, “age sixty-five or over and any of whose members are entitled to supplemental security income benefits under title XVI of the Social Security Act or to aid to families with dependent children under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act” for “either age sixty-five or over or entitled to supplemental security income benefits under title XVI of the Social Security Act”, and “October 1, 1985” for “October 1, 1981” and inserted “or the average value of allotments by household size” after “value of allotments”, “, other than a proj­ect involving the payment of the average value of allotments by household size in the form of cash to eligible households,” after “no project”, “and operating as of October 1, 1981,” after “under this paragraph” and “all of whose members are either age sixty-five or over or entitled to supplemental security income benefits under title XVI of the Social Security Act” before “shall be continued”.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 97–98, § 1329, inserted provision authorizing the Secretary to implement pilot programs to test various means of measuring on a continual basis the nutritional status of low income people in order to develop minimum common criteria and methods for systematic nutrition monitoring that could be applied on a nationwide basis and directing the Secretary to report on the progress of these pilot programs on an annual basis commencing on July 1, 1982, to designated Congressional committees.

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 97–98, § 1330, added subsec. (f).

1980—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 96–249, § 130, inserted provisions requiring that any pilot or experimental proj­ect implemented under this paragraph involving the payment of the value of allotments in the form of cash to eligible households be continued until October 1, 1981, if the State so requests.

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 96–249, §§ 131, 132(a), inserted “(ten days in at least one pilot project area designated by the Secretary)” after “thirty days” and substituted “interim reports no later than October 1, 1979, October 1, 1980, and March 30, 1981, shall issue a final report describing the results of such pilot project based upon their operation from their commencement through the fiscal year ending September 30, 1981, and shall pay to the agencies or organizations operating such pilot projects 50 per centum of all administrative costs involved in such operation” for “an interim report no later than October 1, 1979, and shall issue a final report describing the results of such pilot proj­ects no later than October 1, 1980”.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 96–249, § 133, added subsec. (e).

1978—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 95–400 required issuance of an interim report no later than Oct. 1, 1979, and substituted requirement for issuance of a final report no later than Oct. 1, 1980, for prior requirement of a final report no later than eighteen months following Sept. 29, 1977.

1977—Pub. L. 95–113 substituted provisions relating to research, demonstrations, and evaluations for provisions relating to the purchase with coupons of hunting and fishing equipment for procuring food by members of eligible households living in Alaska.

### Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

### Effective Date of 2014 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 113–128 effective on the first day of the first full program year after July 22, 2014 (July 1, 2015), see section 506 of Pub. L. 113–128, set out as an Effective Date note under section 3101 of Title 29, Labor.

### Effective Date of 2008 Amendment

Amendment of this section and repeal of Pub. L. 110–234 by Pub. L. 110–246 effective May 22, 2008, the date of enactment of Pub. L. 110–234, except as otherwise provided, see section 4 of Pub. L. 110–246, set out as an Effective Date note under section 8701 of this title.

Amendment by sections 4001(b), 4002(a)(9), 4115(b)(12), 4141, and 4406(a)(5) of Pub. L. 110–246 effective Oct. 1, 2008, see section 4407 of Pub. L. 110–246, set out as a note under section 1161 of Title 2, The Congress.

### Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Pub. L. 107–171, title IV, § 4123(b), May 13, 2002, 116 Stat. 324, provided that: “The amendments made by this section [amending this section] take effect on the date of enactment of this Act [May 13, 2002].”

Amendment by sections 4112(b)(4), 4116(b), and 4122(b) of Pub. L. 107–171 effective Oct. 1, 2002, except as otherwise provided, see section 4405 of Pub. L. 107–171, set out as an Effective Date note under section 1161 of Title 2, The Congress.

### Effective Date of 1998 Amendment

Amendment by section 101(f) [title VIII, § 405(d)(2)(C)] of Pub. L. 105–277 effective Oct. 21, 1998, and amendment by section 101(f) [title VIII, § 405(f)(2)(C)] of Pub. L. 105–277 effective July 1, 2000, see section 101(f) [title VIII, § 405(g)(1), (2)(B)] of Pub. L. 105–277, set out as a note under section 3502 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

### Effective Date of 1996 Amendment

Amendment by section 109(d) of Pub. L. 104–193 effective July 1, 1997, with transition rules relating to State options to accelerate such date, rules relating to claims, actions, and proceedings commenced before such date, rules relating to closing out of accounts for terminated or substantially modified programs and continuance in office of Assistant Secretary for Family Support, and provisions relating to termination of entitlement under AFDC program, see section 116 of Pub. L. 104–193, as amended, set out as an Effective Date note under section 601 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.

### Effective Date of 1993 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 103–66 effective, and to be implemented beginning on, Oct. 1, 1993, see section 13971(a) of Pub. L. 103–66, set out as a note under section 2025 of this title.

### Effective Date of 1991 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 102–237 effective and to be implemented no later than Feb. 1, 1992, see section 1101(d)(1) of Pub. L. 102–237, set out as a note under section 1421 of this title.

### Effective Date of 1990 Amendment

Amendment by sections 1729(b), 1731, and 1755 to 1759 of Pub. L. 101–624 effective Nov. 28, 1990, and amendment by section 1754 of Pub. L. 101–624 effective Oct. 1, 1990, see section 1781(a), (b)(1) of Pub. L. 101–624, set out as a note under section 2012 of this title.

### Effective Date of 1988 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 100–435 to be effective and implemented on Oct. 1, 1988, except that such amendment to become effective and implemented on Oct. 1, 1989, if final order is issued under section 902(b) of Title 2, The Congress, for fiscal year 1989 making reductions and sequestrations specified in the report required under section 901(a)(3)(A) of Title 2, see section 701(a), (c)(2) of Pub. L. 100–435, set out as a note under section 2012 of this title.

### Effective Date of 1982 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 97–253 effective Sept. 8, 1982, see section 193(a) of Pub. L. 97–253, set out as a note under section 2012 of this title.

### Effective Date of 1981 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 97–98 effective on earlier of Sept. 8, 1982, or date such amendment became effective pursuant to section 1338 of Pub. L. 97–98, set out as a note under section 2012 of this title, see section 192(b) of Pub. L. 97–253, set out as a note under section 2012 of this title.

Amendment by Pub. L. 97–98 effective upon such date as Secretary of Agriculture may prescribe, taking into account need for orderly implementation, see section 1338 of Pub. L. 97–98, set out as a note under section 2012 of this title.

### Effective Date of 1980 Amendment

Pub. L. 96–249, title I, § 132(b), May 26, 1980, 94 Stat. 368, provided that: “The provisions of section 17(b)(2) of the Food Stamp Act of 1977 [now the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, 7 U.S.C. 2026(b)(2)] for the sharing of administrative costs, as added by subsection (a) of this section, shall be effective on the date of enactment of this Act [May 26, 1980].”

### Effective Date of 1977 Amendment

Pub. L. 95–113, title XIII, § 1301, Sept. 29, 1977, 91 Stat. 958, provided that the amendment made by section 1301 is effective Oct. 1, 1977.

### Termination of Reporting Requirements

For termination, effective May 15, 2000, of provisions in subsec. (c) of this section relating to annual reports on the progress of pilot programs, see section 3003 of Pub. L. 104–66, as amended, set out as a note under section 1113 of Title 31, Money and Finance, and page 48 of House Document No. 103–7.

### Study of Use of Food Stamps To Purchase Vitamins and Minerals

Pub. L. 104–193, title VIII, § 855, Aug. 22, 1996, 110 Stat. 2342, directed the Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with the National Academy of Sciences and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, to conduct a study on the use of food stamps to purchase vitamins and minerals and to report the results of the study to Committees of Congress not later than Dec. 15, 1998.

### Demonstration Projects for Vehicle Exclusion Limit

Pub. L. 102–237, title IX, § 912, Dec. 13, 1991, 105 Stat. 1887, as amended by Pub. L. 110–234, title IV, § 4002(b)(1)(B), (2)(NN), May 22, 2008, 122 Stat. 1096, 1098; Pub. L. 110–246, § 4(a), title IV, § 4002(b)(1)(B), (2)(NN), June 18, 2008, 122 Stat. 1664, 1857, 1859, provided that: “The Secretary of Agriculture shall solicit requests to participate in the demonstration projects required by section 17(h) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2026(h)) by May 1, 1992. The projects shall commence operations no later than January 1, 1993.”