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HB 1835

Human Services, Dept. of - As introduced, requires the department to apply for federal grants and other federal funds available to the state through the federal summer electronic benefits transfer (SEBT) for children program during any year in which the program is offered, for the purpose of providing nutrition assistance through SEBT during the summer months for each eligible child. - Amends TCA Title 49 and Title 71.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Michael Hale

Requires Tennessee to apply for federal summer nutrition grants for children, extending food assistance beyond school year periods.

Taken off notice for cal in s/c Finance, Ways, and Means Subcommittee of Finance, Ways, and Means Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 1835

Legislative bill overview

HB 1835 mandates that Tennessee's Department of Human Services actively apply for federal Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (SEBT) grants whenever the program is available. The bill aims to extend nutrition assistance to eligible children during summer months when they lack access to school meal programs. It modifies state law under titles 49 and 71 to formalize this requirement.

Why is this important

Summer food insecurity affects hundreds of thousands of children nationwide who rely on school meals during the academic year. By requiring proactive federal grant applications, the bill could bring federal nutrition funding to Tennessee children during a critical gap period, reducing childhood hunger and improving nutritional outcomes. The mandate also ensures the state doesn't miss available federal resources due to administrative oversight.

Potential points of contention

  • Administrative burden: Requires department staff time and resources to complete grant applications; fiscal impact depends on whether existing budgets can absorb this or if additional funding is needed
  • Scope of "eligible children": The bill doesn't specify exact eligibility criteria, potentially creating implementation ambiguity about which children qualify for SEBT assistance
  • Federal program dependency: Ties state benefit delivery to federal program availability and funding levels, which could fluctuate or discontinue, creating uncertainty for long-term program sustainability

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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