H.R. 7522: Improving Access to Nutrition Act of 2026
Sponsor
Alma Adams
Democrat · NC
Bill Progress
Latest Action · Feb 12, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
Why it matters
If this passes, adults now vulnerable to losing SNAP over paperwork, unstable hours, or thin local job-training options would keep access to food assistance instead of hitting a federal eligibility cliff. The winners are low-income adults with inconsistent work and high-cost-of-living pressures; the losers, politically, are conservatives who argue SNAP should be more tightly tied to work, and fiscally it would likely mean more people staying enrolled and higher benefit outlays. The bill also gives states and agencies 180 days after enactment to implement the change, signaling this is meant to be a direct eligibility reset, not a pilot or waiver tweak.
H.R. 7522 Common Questions
When would SNAP work requirements end under HR 7522?
The change would take effect 180 days after enactment, according to HR 7522 Section 5.
How many people are currently subject to SNAP work requirements?
About 6.1 million individuals are currently subject to SNAP work requirements under the bill's findings in the Improving Access to Nutrition Act of 2026 (Section 2).
How much economic activity does every $1 in SNAP generate during a downturn?
The bill states that each $1 in SNAP benefits generates about $1.50 to $1.80 in economic activity during a downturn under the Improving Access to Nutrition Act of 2026 (Section 2).
Can states still get extra federal allocations for SNAP work opportunities under HR 7522?
No. HR 7522 repeals Section 16(h)(1)(E), ending that additional allocation provision for states that ensure work opportunities (Section 3).
Does HR 7522 change SNAP-related rules in the tax code?
Yes. The bill amends 26 U.S.C. 51(d)(8)(A)(ii) to remove references to SNAP work requirements from the qualified family definition, under HR 7522 Section 4.
Does the bill change the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act because of SNAP work rules?
Yes. The Improving Access to Nutrition Act of 2026 strikes provisions in WIOA Section 103(a)(2) and Section 121(b)(2)(B) tied to the repealed SNAP work rules (Section 4).
Do SNAP allotments issued before the new law takes effect stay the same?
Yes. Under HR 7522 Section 5, the amendments do not apply to allotments issued before the effective date.
Which groups does the bill say are most affected by SNAP work requirements?
The bill says Black Americans are disproportionately vulnerable to exclusion, and families experiencing homelessness are most likely to leave SNAP when work requirements exist, under the Improving Access to Nutrition Act of 2026 (Section 2).
Is there a 90-day exception for people hired around the SNAP work requirement repeal?
Yes. According to HR 7522 Section 5, the repeal does not apply to individuals hired before the end of the 90-day period beginning on the effective date.
Based on H.R. 7522 bill text
HR7522 Legislative Journey
Committee Action
Feb 12, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
About the Sponsor
Alma Adams
Democrat, North Carolina's 12th congressional district · 12 years in Congress
Committees: Agriculture, Education and Workforce
View full profile →
Cosponsors (11)
All 11 cosponsors are Democrats. Cosponsors represent 8 states: California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, and 5 more.
H.R. 7522 Quick Facts
- Chamber
- House
- Policy
- Agriculture and Food
- Introduced
- Feb 12, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
Feb 12, 2026
Constituent Resources
H.R. 7522 Bill Text
“To amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to repeal the particular work requirement that disqualifies able-bodied adults for eligibility to participate in the supplemental nutrition assistance program.”
Source: U.S. Government Publishing Office
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