SNAP Staffing Flexibility Act of 2026

The SNAP Staffing Flexibility Act of 2026 allows state agencies managing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to hire external contractors to help process applications when they face surges in demand or staffing shortages. These contractors can be used during specific situations such as health emergencies, seasonal workforce cycles, or natural disasters, provided they do not replace existing state employees or have financial ties to food retailers. The bill includes safeguards to prevent delays in benefit approvals and requires state agencies to notify the Department of Agriculture about their hiring decisions and submit annual reports on their efforts to handle increased application volumes.