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HR 7469

SNAP Online Access Act of 2026

119th Congress Introduced by Adam Gray

Makes SNAP online grocery purchases permanent nationwide with a 120-day transition, plus governing regulations, protections, and stakeholder engagement.

Referred to the Subcommittee on Nutrition and Foreign Agriculture.
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Bill Summary · HR 7469

Overview

  • Bill: H.R. 7469 (SNAP Online Access Act of 2026)
  • Sponsor: Rep. Messmer (with Rep. Gray); co-sponsor: Adam Gray
  • Jurisdiction: United States Congress (House of Representatives)
  • Purpose: Amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to authorize and permanently establish the use of SNAP benefits for online grocery purchases, transitioning the existing online purchasing pilot/demonstration into a permanent nationwide program with accompanying regulations and stakeholder engagement.

Main Purpose and Intent

  • The bill seeks to authorize SNAP benefits to be used for online grocery purchases on a permanent, nationwide basis.
  • It envisions converting the current online purchasing initiative from pilot or demonstration status to permanent operation within the SNAP program, with a defined transition timeline and regulatory framework.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Permanently authorize online purchasing under SNAP:

    • Adds a new subsection (l) to Section 7 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 establishing an Online Purchasing Program with a permanent framework.
    • The Secretary must commence the transition to permanent nationwide operations within 120 days of the effective date of the subsection, moving from pilot/demonstration status to full nationwide operation.
    • The transition completion is tied to the promulgation of regulations and guidance.

  • Regulatory framework and guidance:

    • The Secretary is tasked with issuing regulations and guidance necessary to implement the permanent online purchasing program.
    • Regulatory provisions must address program integrity, consumer protections, and equitable access.
    • Regulations and guidance are to be issued no later than 2 years after the effective date of the subsection.

  • Stakeholder consultation:

    • Establish a formal process for consultation with:
    • State agencies
    • Authorized retailers
    • Electronic benefit transfer (EBT) processors
    • Consumer advocates
    • Other relevant stakeholders
    • Objective: Incorporate lessons learned from online purchasing operations from 2014 through 2025.

  • Reporting to Congress:

    • Not later than 120 days after the effective date of the subsection, the Secretary must submit to the House Agriculture Committee and the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry a report detailing the consultation process and recommendations received.

Affected Parties and Impact

  • SNAP beneficiaries: Will be able to purchase groceries online using SNAP benefits, expanding shopping options and convenience.
  • State SNAP agencies: Involved in implementation, coordination, and potential regulatory alignment.
  • Retailers and EBT processors: Potentially expanded roles as authorized online SNAP retailers and partners in the online purchasing system.
  • Consumer advocates and stakeholders: Engagement through formal consultation process to address protections and access considerations.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Effective date: The bill text indicates actions will occur after the effective date of the subsection (exact date not specified in the provided excerpt; would be tied to enactment).
  • 120-day transition window: The Secretary must begin transitioning to permanent nationwide online purchasing within 120 days of the subsection’s effective date.
  • Regulatory rulemaking: Regulations and guidance to implement the transition must be issued within 2 years of the effective date.
  • Stakeholder consultation period: Active consultation process to draw on lessons from 2014–2025 online purchasing experiences.
  • Reporting: A congressional report due within 120 days of the subsection’s effective date.

Summary

H.R. 7469 would make online SNAP purchases permanent nationwide, formalizing the online purchasing program within the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008. It requires a structured transition from pilot to permanent operations within 120 days, followed by comprehensive regulations within two years that address integrity, protections, and equitable access. The bill also mandates a formal stakeholder engagement process and a report to Congress outlining feedback and recommendations. This aims to expand SNAP's accessibility and flexibility for beneficiaries by enabling online grocery shopping while establishing safeguards and oversight.

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

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