Food Stamp Program: Disqualification Penalties for Intentional Program Violations

This rule finalizes a proposed rulemaking published on August 29, 1994. It amends Food Stamp Program regulations to implement section 13942 of the Mickey Leland Hunger Relief Act, which increases the disqualification penalties for individuals who are found guilty in a Federal, State or local court of trading or receiving food stamp coupons for firearms, ammunition, explosives or controlled substances. This rule also implements a change which makes it easier for a State agency to conduct an administrative disqualification hearing by eliminating the proof of receipt requirement. In addition, this rule clarifies the Department's policy on the imposition of disqualification periods for intentional Program violations. Finally, this rule eliminates two model forms used in administrative disqualification hearings.