House Republicans introduce bill to address SNAP Benefit abuse

The 2026 Legislative Session is underway, and legislators are already hard at work trying to introduce new legislation addressing a number of different issues within the state. Earlier this week House Republicans named tackling fraud as one of their biggest priorities for the session, and they have introduced a bill looking to cut back on fraud in the State’s SNAP benefits. Representative Nolan West (R-Blaine) has the details. 

The bill’s author Representative Pam Altendorf (R-Red Wing), says this bill is needed as the state’s error rate in its SNAP program has drastically increased over the last couple years, and they could face punishment from the federal government if it’s not addressed. 

More than 400,000 Minnesotans received SNAP benefits in 2025, which is equal to approximately one in thirteen residents.