Bill > A03399

This bill amends the correction law to require that prison officials screen incarcerated individuals for eligibility in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) 30 days before their release. The bill mandates that corrections officials must work with social services agencies to not only identify which inmates qualify for SNAP benefits, but also actively help those eligible individuals apply for the program. Additionally, the bill instructs officials to seek waivers from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to suspend the typical three-month time limit for SNAP benefits in areas without sufficient work opportunities, and to ensure that recently released individuals can receive SNAP benefits for up to one year. The goal of this legislation appears to be supporting individuals transitioning out of incarceration by helping them access nutritional assistance, which could potentially reduce recidivism by providing a basic support system during a critical period of reintegration into society.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A3399