Bill > SB53

This bill expands eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the food stamp program, to include individuals and households in Hawaii whose monthly income is equal to or less than 300% of the federal poverty level. Currently, households with incomes above 200% of the federal poverty level are ineligible for SNAP benefits, which creates a "benefits cliff" that can discourage individuals from seeking higher-paying jobs. The bill aims to address this issue by appropriating $50,000,000 for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to provide additional state-funded SNAP benefits for households that do not qualify for federal assistance. The benefits will be calculated using the existing federal SNAP benefit formula, and households currently receiving federal benefits will continue to do so. The legislation recognizes the high cost of living in Hawaii and seeks to help economically vulnerable households meet their basic nutritional needs without sacrificing financial security, with the program supporting over 130,000 individuals and bringing approximately $630,000,000 into the state's economy each year. The bill will take effect on July 1, 2025, and will be administered by the Department of Human Services.