2025 SESSION

INTRODUCED

25102684D

HOUSE BILL NO. 1723

Offered January 13, 2025

Prefiled January 4, 2025

A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 63.2-801.1, relating to Department of Social Services; establishment of Task Force on Improving Access to Food Assistance Programs.

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Patrons—Price, Anthony, Cousins, Sickles, Torian, Simonds and Willett; Senator: Aird

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Referred to Committee on Health and Human Services

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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 63.2-801.1 as follows:

§ 63.2-801.1. Task Force on Improving Access to Food Assistance Programs.

A. The Department shall establish and appoint such members as it deems necessary or appropriate to the Task Force on Improving Access to Food Assistance Programs (the Task Force) for the purpose of improving access to and maximizing participation in all federal public assistance programs administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture relating to assistance with food access and improving food security.

B. The Task Force established pursuant to subsection A shall collaborate with relevant stakeholders to (i) remove administrative barriers to applying for participation in federal public assistance programs administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture relating to assistance with food access and improving food security; (ii) improve outreach to increase awareness of such programs among individuals who would otherwise be eligible to participate in such programs but may not be aware of such programs; and (iii) collect such data and make such policy recommendations to local departments and boards, the Board, and the General Assembly as it deems appropriate. In conducting its work, the Task Force shall consider the specific needs and circumstances of different populations and demographics in the Commonwealth and how those needs and circumstances could increase barriers to program access and impact the efficacy of outreach campaigns and methods.