Longitudinal data for research

Each longitudinal database established under paragraph (1) shall be used solely to conduct research on participation in and the operation of the supplemental nutrition assistance program, including duration of participation in the program.

Prior to the approval of State agencies to establish longitudinal databases under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall—

(A) identify features that shall be standard across States such as database format to facilitate use of longitudinal databases established under paragraph (1) for research purposes;

(B) identify features of longitudinal databases established under paragraph (1) that may vary across States;

(C) identify a procedure for States operating longitudinal databases under paragraph (1) to use a unique identifier to provide relevant information on household members who receive benefits under the supplemental nutrition assistance program for the purpose of comparing participation data in multiple participating States over time while protecting participant privacy;

(D) establish the manner in which data security and privacy protections, as required by Federal law and consistent with other appropriate practices, shall be implemented and maintained;

(E) provide direction to State agencies on the responsibilities of and funding arrangements for State agencies and any State contractors (including entities providing technical assistance) relating to the establishment and operation of a longitudinal database;

(F) provide a description of the documentation that States shall submit to the Secretary prior to allowing researchers access to a longitudinal database;

(G) consult with other Federal research agencies, including the Bureau of the Census;

(H) consult with States that have already established databases used for purposes similar to the purposes outlined in this subsection; and

(I) identify any other requirements determined appropriate by the Secretary.

(A) In general Subject to subparagraph (B), each longitudinal database established under paragraph (1)— (i) shall include monthly information about households and members of households that receive benefits under the supplemental nutrition assistance program in the participating State taken from existing information collected by the State agency including, if available,— (I) demographic characteristics; (II) income and financial resources (as described in section 2014(g) of this title ); (III) employment status; (IV) household circumstances, such as deductible expenses; and (V) the amount of the monthly allotment received under the supplemental nutrition assistance program; and (ii) may include information from other State data sources such as— (I) earnings and employment data from the State department of labor; (II) health insurance program data; or (III) data from participation in other programs administered by the State.

(B) Data protection Any State that establishes a longitudinal database under paragraph (1) shall, in accordance with all applicable Federal and State privacy standards and requirements— (i) protect the privacy of information about each member of each household that receives benefits under the supplemental nutrition assistance program in such State by ensuring that no personally identifiable information (including social security number, home address, or contact information) is included in the longitudinal database; and (ii) make the data under this paragraph available to researchers and the Secretary.

The Secretary shall approve the establishment of longitudinal databases under paragraph (1) in States that—

(A) meet the requirements for databases under paragraph (3) and (4)(B);

(B) reflect a range of participant numbers, demographics, operational structures, and geographic regions; and

(C) have the capacity to provide on a periodic and ongoing basis household and participant data derived from the eligibility system and other data sources of the State.

(A) In general In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary may provide grants to States that have been approved by the Secretary in accordance with paragraph (5) out of funds made available under paragraph (9).

(B) Method of awarding grants Grants awarded under this paragraph shall be made in such amounts and under such terms and conditions as the Secretary determines necessary to carry out the purposes of this subsection.

(A) In general Not later than 4 years after the effective date of this subsection, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report on the feasibility of expanding implementation of longitudinal databases to every State.

(B) Contents The report required under subparagraph (A) shall describe— (i) the cost of expanding implementation of longitudinal databases with consistent data to every State; (ii) the challenges and benefits of using State longitudinal databases with consistent data; and (iii) alternatives to expanding implementation of longitudinal databases with consistent data to every State that may achieve similar research outcomes and the advantages and disadvantages of those alternatives.

Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prevent or limit the ability of State agencies to establish or continue operating databases used for purposes similar to the purposes outlined in this subsection.

Of the funds made available under section 2027 of this title , the Secretary shall use to carry out this subsection—

(A) $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2019 to remain available through fiscal year 2021; and

(B) $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2022 and each fiscal year thereafter.