Bill > SB01475

This bill establishes two key initiatives related to food assistance and consumer protection. First, it requires the Commissioner of Social Services to develop a Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) for eligible Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) beneficiaries, specifically targeting seniors, disabled individuals, homeless people, and their spouses. Under this program, these beneficiaries would be able to purchase meals at participating restaurants using their SNAP benefits. The commissioner must submit a formal application to the U.S. Department of Agriculture by December 1, 2025, and file a report with the legislative committee on human services by October 1, 2025. Second, the bill mandates that the Attorney General conduct and report on investigations into price discrimination by grocery stores, with a specific focus on areas identified as "food deserts" by the USDA's Food Access Research Atlas. The annual report, due by October 1, 2025, and each year thereafter, must be submitted to legislative committees and include details about state and federal investigations, as well as recommendations for potential consumer protection legislation. The goal of this bill is to improve food access and affordability for vulnerable populations by expanding meal options for SNAP recipients and addressing potential pricing inequities in grocery stores.

Health and Social Services

Human Services Committee (J)

https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB01475&which_year=2025