Bill > SB960

This bill addresses improvements to Hawaii's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, by appropriating $1,100,000 for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027. The legislation aims to strengthen SNAP access and participation by addressing several key issues: recognizing that many low-income households struggle with Hawaii's high cost of living, noting that SNAP currently supports over 130,000 individuals and brings $630 million into the state's economy, and implementing recommendations from a University of Hawaii study. Specifically, the bill will authorize pay increases for SNAP-related positions, establish new positions to improve program access (especially in economically disadvantaged communities), and allow the Department of Human Services to develop additional initiatives to increase SNAP participation rates. The bill highlights a significant policy change announced by Governor Josh Green to remove the net income limit criteria, which would potentially expand SNAP eligibility to 13,000-14,000 more households and provide an additional $45 million in benefits. By increasing staffing and accessibility, the bill aims to not only support food-insecure families but also potentially generate federal revenue through improved program participation. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=960&year=2025