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SB 1853

Human Services, Dept. of - As introduced, requires the department to apply, no later than January 1, 2027, for federal grants and other federal funds available to the state through the federal summer electronic benefits transfer (EBT) for children program for the purpose of providing nutrition assistance through EBT during the summer months for each eligible child. - Amends TCA Title 49 and Title 71.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Jeff Yarbro

Tennessee must apply for federal Summer EBT grants by 2027 to provide nutrition assistance to eligible children during school breaks.

Action deferred in Senate Health and Welfare Committee to 3/18/2026
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Bill Summary · SB 1853

Legislative bill overview

SB 1853 requires Tennessee's Department of Human Services to apply for federal Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (Summer EBT) grants by January 1, 2027, to provide nutrition assistance to eligible children during summer months when school meal programs are unavailable. The bill modifies state law to establish this requirement and align with federal program opportunities.

Why is this important

Child food insecurity increases significantly during summer when school breakfast and lunch programs end, affecting approximately 21 million children nationally. Participating in the federal Summer EBT program would provide direct nutrition assistance to Tennessee families at no state cost (entirely federally funded), addressing a documented gap in child nutrition access.

Potential points of contention

  • Administrative burden: The state must establish systems to process Summer EBT applications, maintain eligibility records, and coordinate with existing SNAP/EBT infrastructure, requiring staff and technology resources
  • Implementation timeline: January 1, 2027 deadline is tight for program rollout; delays in federal approval or state readiness could affect benefit distribution to children
  • Eligibility disputes: Questions may arise about which children qualify, how eligibility is verified, and coordination with existing nutrition programs to avoid duplication or gaps

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

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