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HR 8403

To amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to modify the definition of food.

119th Congress Introduced by Ben Cline and 24 co-sponsors

The bill would broaden SNAP eligibility by explicitly including hot rotisserie chicken as an eligible food item under the program.

Introduced in House
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 8403

Summary of H.R. 8403 (118th? 119th Congress) - To amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to modify the definition of food

Note: This summary reflects the text provided for H.R. 8403 as introduced, including the stated amendments to the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008. It focuses on the bill’s stated aim, key provisions, affected parties, and procedural aspects.

1) Purpose and intent

  • The bill aims to amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (which governs the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, SNAP) to modify the definition of “food” for purposes of SNAP eligibility and program rules.
  • Specifically, the change appears to expand or clarify what items are considered SNAP-eligible food by the Act’s statutory definition, potentially affecting what participants can purchase with SNAP benefits.

2) Key provisions and changes

  • Section targeted: Section 3(k)(1) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2012(k)(1)).
  • The amendment includes the following textual changes:
    1. Insertion of “hot rotisserie chicken and” before “those authorized” — this expands the list of commonly purchasable items that may be classified as SNAP-eligible food in the definition.
    2. Replacing the word “clauses” with “paragraphs” — this is a technical/terminology update to the statute.
    3. Replacing “of this subsection” with a broader or different phrasing (the exact new phrasing isn’t fully visible in the excerpt) — another textual refinement.
  • Overall effect: The primary substantive change is the explicit inclusion of hot rotisserie chicken as an item considered under the SNAP-eligible food definition, within the context of the items authorized for purchase. The other two edits are clarifying/terminology updates.

3) Who or what is affected

  • SNAP participants: The change could broaden the range of foods deemed eligible to be purchased with SNAP benefits, particularly allowing hot rotisserie chicken to be purchased with benefits where it previously may not have been clearly covered.
  • Retailers and SNAP-authorized stores: Stores participating in SNAP would need to apply the updated definition when determining eligibility of purchases, including hot rotisserie chicken and related items.
  • Program administration: SNAP program rules, guidance, and eligibility determinations may be updated to reflect the revised statutory language.

4) Procedural and timeline considerations

  • Introduced in the House on April 21, 2026.
  • Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture for consideration.
  • The bill lists multiple sponsors and co-sponsors from diverse districts.
  • As introduced, there is no accompanying fiscal impact statement or implementation timeline provided in the text snippet. If enacted, agencies would issue implementing guidance and any necessary regulatory updates to reflect the revised definition.

5) Additional observations

  • The amendment to insert “hot rotisserie chicken” indicates a targeted expansion of what counts as “food” under SNAP, aligning with debates over convenience, prepared foods, and accessibility for participants.
  • The rest of the changes are largely technical/grammatical, ensuring consistent terminology within the statute.

6) Implications for stakeholders

  • For SNAP participants: Potentially broader purchasing options at SNAP-authorized retailers.
  • For retailers: Clearer guidance on eligible food items, potentially increasing product visibility and eligibility confirmation at checkout.
  • For policymakers and administrators: Need to update regulations, guidance materials, and training to reflect the revised definition.

If you’d like, I can compare this proposed change to current SNAP definitions or provide a brief stakeholder impact memo tailored to a specific audience (e.g., retailers, advocacy groups, or state SNAP agencies).

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

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