Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the State Board of Social Services intends to consider amending the following regulations: 22VAC40-601, Food Stamp Program. The purpose of the proposed action is to alter the length of time an application for food stamp benefits may be held pending before processing. Federal regulations allow states an option to deny applications after 30 days if the local department of social services is unable to process the application or to hold the application pending for an additional 30-day period. The State Board of Social Services would like to deny applications after 30 days instead of holding the application pending for an additional 30-day period before disposing of the applications.

The agency does not intend to hold a public hearing on the proposed action after publication in the Virginia Register.

Statutory Authority: § 63.2-217 of the Code of Virginia; 7 CFR 271.4.

Public Comments: Public comments may be submitted until 5 p.m. on November 26, 2008.

Agency Contact: Celeste Jackson, Program Consultant, Department of Social Services, Office of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs, 7 North Eighth Street, Room 5214, Richmond, VA 23219, telephone (804) 726-7376, FAX (804) 726-7356, TTY (800) 828-1120, or email celeste.jackson@dss.virginia.gov.