Bill > SB961

This bill requires the Department of Human Services (DHS) to make several changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides food assistance benefits to low-income households. Specifically, the bill mandates that DHS set minimum certification periods for SNAP benefits to 12 months for most households, and 24 months for households with all members aged 60 or older. The bill also requires DHS to participate in the Elderly Simplified Application Project, which aims to streamline SNAP enrollment for seniors and people with disabilities. This includes establishing 36-month recertification periods for households composed of seniors or disabled adults and waiving recertification interviews where federally permitted. Additionally, the bill requires DHS to seek necessary federal approvals, update its policies accordingly, and submit comprehensive reports to the legislature before the 2028 and 2029 legislative sessions. These reports must include data on program implementation, participant characteristics, administrative cost changes, and participation rates. The bill is designed to reduce administrative burden, simplify the application process for elderly and disabled participants, and provide more consistent food assistance benefits. The proposed changes would take effect on July 1, 3000 (likely a typographical error that should read a near-future year).

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

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=961&year=2025