Final Rule: FSP Retailer Integrity, Fraud Reduction and Penalties

The purpose of this final rule is to implement the Food Stamp Program retailer provisions included in the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, as well as the retailer provision included in the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act. This rule also contains a number of amendments to the current regulations to streamline the regulations. Most of the provisions in this final rule are nondiscretionary and required by law. The intent of this rule is to strengthen integrity and eliminate fraud in the Food Stamp Program by: ensuring that only legitimate stores participate in the program; improving the Department’s ability to monitor authorized firms; and strengthening the penalties against firms which violate program rules.