§312. Task force on SNAP electronic benefits issuance; membership; purpose

[Effective Date: Terminated on March 1, 2015.]

A. There is hereby created within the Department of Children and Family Services a task force on SNAP electronic benefits issuance, referred to in this Section as the "task force".

B. The task force shall be composed of the following twelve members:

(1) Two members appointed by the commissioner of administration, at least one of whom shall be an employee in the office of information technology.

(2) Two members appointed by the secretary of the Department of Children and Family Services, at least one of whom shall be an employee in the division of programs of the department.

(3) The executive director of the Louisiana Retailers Association or his designee.

(4) The president of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry or his designee.

(5) The vice president of public affairs of the National Grocers Association or his designee.

(6) One member of the House of Representatives appointed by the speaker of the House of Representatives.

(7) One member of the Senate appointed by the president of the Senate.

(8) One member representing the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center appointed by the vice president for agriculture.

(9) One member representing the Southern University Agricultural Center appointed by the chancellor of the center.

(10) The executive director of the Louisiana Food Bank Association or his designee.

C. At the first meeting, the members of the task force shall select one member to serve as chairman.

D. The purposes of the task force shall include the following:

(1) To study on an ongoing basis the policies, procedures, and technical processes by which the Department of Children and Family Services disburses SNAP benefits electronically.

(2) To consider the impacts on Louisiana families and businesses of prospective policy changes relative to the disbursement schedule for SNAP benefits.

(3) To keep abreast of changes in federal laws and regulations which relate in any manner to electronic issuance of public benefits.

(4) To make recommendations to the secretary of the Department of Children and Family Services, on a schedule determined by the chairman, concerning innovations in electronic benefits issuance policies and systems.

E. The task force shall convene on or before September 1, 2014. The secretary of the Department of Children and Family Services shall call the first meeting.

Acts 2014, No. 533, §1.