THE SENATE
S.B. NO.
961
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025
S.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII
A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. (a) The department of human services shall set the minimum certification periods for supplemental nutrition assistance program benefit households to twelve months; provided that for households in which all adult members are sixty years of age or older, the certification periods shall be at minimum twenty-four months.
(b) The department of human services shall participate in the elderly simplified application project of the supplemental nutrition assistance program to simplify eligibility determinations for eligible households. Participation in the elderly simplified application project shall include:
(1) Establishing recertification periods of at least thirty-six months for households composed entirely of adults sixty years of age or older or adults with disabilities; and
(2) Waiving the recertification interview for eligible households, to the extent allowed by federal law.
(c) The department of human services shall seek any necessary federal approvals or waivers to implement this Act and shall promptly amend its rules, policies, and procedures to effectuate the intent of this Act.
(d) The department of human services shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular sessions of 2028 and 2029 that shall include:
(1) Data on the implementation and utilization of the supplemental nutrition assistance program and elderly simplified application project, including the number and characteristics of participating households;
(2) Administrative cost savings or changes; and
(3) Analysis of the participation rates.
SECTION 2. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2027.
Report Title:
DHS; Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; Minimum Certification Periods; Elderly Simplified Application Project; Report
Description:
Requires the Department of Human Services to adjust the minimum certification periods for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits households, participate in the Elderly Simplified Application Project, and report to the Legislature. Effective 7/1/2027. (SD1)
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