summary
Introduced
01/30/2026
01/30/2026
In Committee
02/24/2026
02/24/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amends the Administration Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Requires the Department of Human Services to, subject to available funding, establish a Families Receiving Emergency Support for Hunger (FRESH) Program to provide FRESH benefits to households subject to termination of the household's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, or a reduction in the household's monthly SNAP benefit allotment, if the termination or reduction in SNAP benefits occurred as a result of one or more members of the household failing to meet SNAP work requirements. Provides that, for eligible households whose SNAP benefits were reduced or terminated, FRESH benefits shall be provided as a one-time lump sum payment distributed via an Electronic Benefits Transfer card. Requires the Department to make FRESH program applications available online and at local Family and Community Resource Centers immediately upon the first of the month following the effective date of the amendatory Act. Provides that an application for FRESH benefits shall not be deemed an application for any other public aid provided under the Code. Requires the Department to provide within a specified time frame FRESH benefits to households' that experience a reduction or termination of SNAP benefits prior to or after the first month following the effective date of the amendatory Act, if certain application submission deadlines are met. Requires the Department to publish monthly data reports on the FRESH program and to include such data in the Department's annual report to the General Assembly. Prohibits the Department and local governmental units from considering a household's receipt of FRESH benefits when determining the household's eligibility for other assistance provided under the Code. Provides that the provisions of the amendatory Act are inoperative on and after January 1, 2028. Effective immediately.
AI Summary
This bill establishes the Families Receiving Emergency Support for Hunger (FRESH) Program, administered by the Department of Human Services, to provide temporary financial assistance to households that have had their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits reduced or terminated due to members failing to meet work requirements. SNAP is a federal program that provides food assistance. Eligible households will receive a one-time lump sum payment via an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which is a debit card used for purchasing food. Applications for the FRESH program will be available online and at local Family and Community Resource Centers shortly after the bill becomes law, and applying for FRESH benefits will not affect eligibility for other public aid. The Department will provide these benefits within a specified timeframe after application, with different deadlines for reductions or terminations that occurred before or after the bill's effective date. The Department is also required to report monthly data on the program's usage and include this information in its annual report to the General Assembly, while ensuring no personally identifiable information is disclosed. Importantly, receiving FRESH benefits will not be considered when determining eligibility for other state assistance programs. This program is set to expire on January 1, 2028.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance
Sponsors (5)
Last Action
Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Kimberly Du Buclet (on 03/03/2026)
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