February 10, 2026
Mr. Messmer (for himself and Mr. Gray) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Agriculture
To amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 authorize the use of benefits under the supplemental nutrition assistance program for online grocery purchases, and for other purposes.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the SNAP Online Access Act of 2026
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Sec. 2. Permanent authority for supplemental nutrition assistance program online purchasing
(a) In general
Section 7 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2016) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(l) Online purchasing program
(1) Permanent authority
Not later than 120 days after the effective date of this subsection, the Secretary shall begin transitioning the supplemental nutrition assistance program online purchasing initiative from pilot or demonstration status to permanent nationwide program operations, with the completion of the regulations marking the end of the transition.
(2) Regulations
The Secretary shall issue such regulations and guidance as may be necessary to carry out paragraph (1), including provisions related to program integrity, consumer protections, and equitable access. Such regulations shall be issued not later than 2 years after the effective date of this subsection.
(3) Stakeholder consultation
The Secretary shall establish a formal process for consultation with State agencies, authorized retailers, electronic benefit transfer processors, consumer advocates, and other relevant stakeholders to incorporate lessons learned from online purchasing operations during the period of 2014 through 2025.
(4) Report to Congress
Not later than 120 days after the effective date of this subsection, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report describing the consultation process and recommendations received.