Bill > HB902

This bill proposes several significant changes to Montana's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the food stamp program. The bill directs the state department of public health and human services to seek federal waivers to implement two key restrictions: first, to limit SNAP benefit purchases to nutrient-rich food items like fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, and dairy products; and second, to restrict EBT card usage to individuals over 16 years old. Additionally, the bill establishes a transitional benefits program designed to gradually reduce SNAP benefits as recipients' incomes increase, creating a more flexible system that encourages work and financial stability. The program would provide 100% of benefits for households at or below 138% of the federal poverty level, with progressively smaller percentages of benefits for households with higher incomes, ultimately tapering to 20% for households at or near 200% of the federal poverty level. The bill also requires annual reporting on waiver status, spending patterns, and program challenges, and includes an appropriation of $802,500 to implement the transitional benefits program. Throughout the bill, terminology is updated from "food stamps" to "supplemental nutrition assistance program" to align with current federal language.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC1226