New Executive Order: Ensuring a National Policy Framework for Artificial Intelligence
The Administration has signed a new executive order that directs heads of executive departments to take steps which discourage or disallow states from enacting artificial intelligence (AI) regulations that are deemed incompatible with the Administration’s priority of advancing AI development and uptake. This includes developing a federal policy framework that will preempt state laws, creating an AI Litigation Task Force to explore options for challenging state statues, and evaluating state AI laws for incompatibility with a desired federal policy.
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USDA Approves Six New State SNAP Waivers to Limit Allowable Food Purchases
Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins and Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced new Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) waivers for Hawai'i, Missouri, North Dakota, South Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee. Set to begin in 2026, these waivers follow similar policies passed by Arkansas, Idaho, Utah, and others that redefine eligible food purchases under SNAP by excluding items like candy, soda, and sugary drinks. As in the other states, these changes further expand the list of restricted items beyond the traditional exclusions of alcohol, tobacco, and hot foods.
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USDA Issues Guidance Revision on SNAP Eligibility for Non-Citizens Under H.R. 1
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) shared a Q&A in follow up to the guidance issued October 31 regarding the non-citizen policy changes in H.R. 1. The Q&A section clarifies when non-citizen eligibility changes took effect, which immigration statuses remain SNAP-eligible, how the five-year waiting period applies (including after status changes to Lawful Permanent Residents [LPRs]), and how states should verify time in qualified status.
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HUD Announces Withdrawal of 2025 Continuum of Care NOFO
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has notified the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island that it is withdrawing the 2025 Continuum of Care (CoC) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to review feedback and prepare a revised version. As a result, all deadlines and requirements associated with the original NOFO are no longer in effect.
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HHS Encourages States to Review Policies on Social Security Benefits for Youth in Foster Care
The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) sent a letter to 39 governors that highlights opportunities to strengthen how Social Security survivor benefits are managed for children in foster care. The letter also expressed interest in working collaboratively with states to share promising practices and provide technical assistance.
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HHS Publishes FMAP Adjustments for Fiscal Year 2027
HHS has calculated and released the Fiscal Year 2027 Federal Medical Assistance Percentages (FMAP), Enhanced FMAP (eFMAP), and disaster-recovery FMAP adjustments. These adjustments determine federal matching rates for Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Contingency Funds, child support collections, Child Care and Development Fund matching funds, Title IV-E programs, as well as Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) eFMAP rates. These rates will be effective October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027, and will apply to all states and territories listed.
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2026 APHSA National Leadership Academy Application is Open
The APHSA National Leadership Academy is a space for human services leaders to reflect on, grow, and strengthen their leadership skills for the challenges and opportunities ahead. Take part in a program designed to reshape how you lead your teams and your organization, while also exploring next-generation leadership competencies that drive change centered in people and community. Learn more and apply today.
Application deadline: January 30, 2026
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