Bill > SB1055

This bill aims to improve the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Hawaii by making several key changes. It requires the Department of Human Services to set minimum certification periods for SNAP benefits to 12 months for most households and 24 months for households with members aged 60 or older. The bill mandates participation in the Elderly Simplified Application Project, which includes extending certification periods to 36 months for households with seniors or people with disabilities and waiving recertification interviews. The legislation also appropriates funds to strengthen SNAP access by authorizing pay increases for SNAP-related positions, establishing new positions to improve program accessibility, and supporting initiatives to increase participation rates. Additionally, the department is required to submit reports to the legislature in 2026 and 2027 detailing the implementation, utilization, administrative costs, and participation rates of the program. The bill is motivated by Hawaii's high cost of living and the potential to expand food assistance to more struggling families, with a study suggesting that removing the net income limit could provide an additional $45 million in benefits to approximately 13,000-14,000 households.

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1055&year=2025