AFPI Statement on SNAP Program Oversight in Georgia

Atlanta, GA—The Executive Director of the America First Policy Institute’s Georgia Chapter, Rebecca Yardley, issued the following statement after the Georgia Senate Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee did not advance House Bill 947, known as the “Georgia SNAP Healthier Choices Act of 2026,” which would have closed the Broad Based Categorial Eligibility (BBCE) loophole in the state SNAP program:

“The Georgia Senate did not to advance House Bill 947, legislation that was intended to address longstanding concerns about accountability in Georgia’s SNAP program—particularly the Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE) policy—at a time when program oversight is increasingly important.

BBCE allows states to bypass certain SNAP eligibility checks, including asset limits and full income verification, meaning benefits can be approved before all financial information is confirmed. With one of the highest payment error rates in the nation, Georgia faces the risk of significant new financial liabilities if these issues remain unaddressed.

Policies that improve the accuracy of eligibility determinations and reinforce oversight can help ensure that benefits are delivered as intended while safeguarding taxpayer dollars. Continued attention to these issues may be important to maintaining both public trust and the long-term sustainability of the program.”