Comment on FR Doc # 2013-04037

This regulation seems to be appropriate to help maintain the integrity of the SNAP program. It seems to me that the costs to retailers to update their EBT systems and the cost agencies must accrue to inform employees of the new regulations are negligible when it comes to safeguarding the integrity of this program and SNAP funds. Yes, it is unfortunate that if a retailer is accused of fraudulent activity, their funds will be suspended, they will probably cease to accept SNAP benefits, and SNAP beneficiaries will need to show elsewhere. However, the onus is on the retailer for conducting fraudulent activity and causing FNS to suspend benefits. On March 28, 2013, employees from a Dollar Dayz store in Phoenix were accused of profiting more than $700,000 from conducting SNAP fraud. That means that Arizona’s SNAP money is not going to the people who need it most. The potential impact on Arizona would be the discouragement of fraudulent activity and a means to safeguard SNAP monies. Future fraudulent activity will be discouraged with this regulation, since retailers will know that their SNAP funds will be suspended and they may be disqualified from the program if they fail to report new ownership within ten business days. This regulation seems to be appropriate to help maintain the integrity of the SNAP program.