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SB 879

Welfare - As introduced, requires the department of human services to annually identify federal waivers it deems necessary to alleviate federal regulatory limitations that inhibit the department's ability to timely review and approve applications and deliver benefits for the food assistance program and to submit, no later than October 31 of each year, as applicable, applications for such waivers; requires the department to annually submit a report describing any waiver applications submitted and the status of such applications, and including recommendations for statutory changes needed to facilitate efficient processing and delivery of such benefits. - Amends TCA Title 71, Chapter 5, Part 3.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Tennessee requires DHS to annually request federal waivers to streamline food assistance approval processes and report on barriers to faster benefit delivery.

Signed by Senate Speaker
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Bill Summary · SB 879

Legislative bill overview

SB 879 requires Tennessee's Department of Human Services to annually identify federal regulatory barriers to food assistance program administration, submit federal waiver applications by October 31 each year to address these barriers, and report to the legislature on waiver status and recommendations for statutory changes. The bill establishes an accountability mechanism for improving the speed and efficiency of benefit delivery.

Why is this important

Food assistance program delays directly affect vulnerable populations' ability to access nutritional support. By systematizing waiver requests and requiring annual reporting, the bill creates pressure on the state to identify and eliminate administrative bottlenecks that slow application processing and benefit delivery. This could reduce wait times for hungry families and improve program responsiveness.

Potential points of contention

  • Federal waiver uncertainty: The bill assumes federal waivers exist to solve identified problems, but there's no guarantee the federal government will grant requested waivers or that they would actually improve state-level processing times
  • Resource allocation: Implementing new administrative processes and conducting annual analyses requires departmental resources that must come from somewhere, potentially diverting funds from direct benefit distribution
  • Vague accountability: The bill creates reporting requirements but contains no enforcement mechanisms or consequences if the department fails to submit waivers or if processing times don't improve despite waiver efforts

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

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