Legislative History of the Food Stamp Program - 1996

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Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act P.L. 104-127, 110 Stat. 888 April 4, 1996

Added evidence that the management of the store or food concern was aware of, approved of, benefited from, or was involved in the conduct of no more than one previous violation to the reasons a civil money payment can be imposed in lieu of a permanent disqualification based on the purchase of coupons or trafficking in coupons or authorization cards by the store or wholesale food concern. Extended E&T funding at its 1995 level ($75,000,000) through 2002. Extended elderly/SSI cash-out demonstration projects through 2002. Extended outreach demonstration projects through 2002. Reauthorized the FSP through 1997. Reauthorized the Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Program through 2002 funding it at:   -- $1,143,000,000 for fiscal year 1996; -- $1,174,000,000 for fiscal year 1997; -- $1,204,000,000 for fiscal year 1998; -- $1,236,000,000 for fiscal year 1999; -- $1,268,000,000 for fiscal year 2000; -- $1,301,000,000 for fiscal year 2001; -- $1,335,000,000 for fiscal year 2002. Funded American Samoa's modified food stamp program at a level of $5,300,000 for each of fiscal years 1996 through 2002. Funded Community Food Projects at $1 million for fiscal year 1996 and $2.5 million annually thereafter through 2002. Projects to require a one-time infusion of Federal assistance to become self-sustaining and designed to:   -- meet the food needs of low-income people; -- increase the self-reliance of communities in providing for their own food needs; and -- promote comprehensive responses to local food, farm, and nutrition issues. Applicants must be nonprofit organizations, but may use all available resources, including those of for-profit entities. Grants are authorized for up to 3-year-periods. The Federal share of the cost of establishing or carrying out a community food project that receives assistance may not exceed 50 percent of the cost of the project during the term of the grant. Projects to be evaluated and a report submitted to Congress no later than Jan. 30, 2002.

Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act P.L. 104-193, 110 Stat. 2105 Aug. 22, 1996

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The Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act P.L. 104-208 Sept. 30, 1996

Amended the alien provisions of P.L. 104-193 by making the food stamp ineligibility of currently participating aliens effective April 1, 1997; expanding the definition of “qualified alien” to include certain battered aliens; and adding an exception to the deeming requirement for certain destitute aliens and certain aliens who have been battered/subjected to extreme cruelty in the U.S. by spouses, parents, or other household members.

Last modified: 02/01/2008