Bill > HB1797

This bill seeks to modify the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in New Hampshire by implementing several significant changes. By January 1, 2027, the Department of Health and Human Services must submit a federal waiver to prohibit SNAP recipients from purchasing candy and soft drinks, requiring subsequent rule-making to define these items. The bill strengthens work requirements by preventing the department from seeking waivers or adopting discretionary exemptions for able-bodied adults without dependents. It also mandates extensive data-sharing agreements with multiple state agencies, including the lottery commission, secretary of state, department of employment security, department of corrections, and others, to verify SNAP recipients' ongoing eligibility. The bill requires monthly reviews of various databases to track changes in recipients' circumstances such as income, employment, death, incarceration, and immigration status. Additionally, the department must monitor Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card usage, flagging and investigating individuals making exclusively out-of-state purchases over 60 days. The legislation prohibits the department from applying more lenient eligibility standards than federal law and restricts categorical eligibility for benefits. These provisions aim to increase program integrity, reduce potential fraud, and ensure that SNAP benefits are used appropriately by qualifying individuals who are actual New Hampshire residents.

Health and Social Services

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=2139&inflect=2