Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act

This legislation, titled the "Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act," seeks to integrate Puerto Rico into the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). It amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to redefine "State" to include Puerto Rico for SNAP eligibility and requires cost adjustments to the thrifty food plan to reflect local food costs, similar to Hawaii and Alaska. To facilitate this transition, Puerto Rico must submit a comprehensive plan of operation to the Secretary of Agriculture within 180 days of designating an agency, with the Secretary providing technical assistance upon request. The Secretary is then required to approve this plan within 180 days if it meets SNAP State plan requirements, followed by a certification to Congress that Puerto Rico qualifies for SNAP. During the transition, the existing consolidated block grant for Puerto Rico may continue for up to five years after the Act's effective date, or until the Secretary determines the transition is complete. The Secretary must also submit annual reports to Congress on the block grant's operation, detailing any funding increases needed for the SNAP transition. Notably, the amendments enabling Puerto Rico's full participation in SNAP will take effect 10 years after the bill's enactment, and after this period, the block grant funds previously allocated to Puerto Rico will be redirected to American Samoa to support its nutrition assistance program.