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 where all members are 60 years or older. The bill also requires DHS to participate in the Elderly Simplified Application Project, which aims to streamline the application process for seniors and people with disabilities. This includes establishing 36-month recertification periods for households composed entirely of seniors or people with disabilities and waiving recertification interviews where possible under federal law. Additionally, the bill requires DHS to seek necessary federal approvals, amend its policies accordingly, and submit detailed reports to the legislature in 2028 and 2029. These reports must include data on SNAP implementation, administrative cost changes, and participation rates. The bill is designed to make SNAP benefits easier to access and maintain for eligible households, particularly for elderly and disabled populations, while also providing transparency through comprehensive reporting.

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=2026