HB2503

THE CONTEXT: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program ( SNAP ) is a federal program that provides nutrition benefits to low-income individuals and families that are used at stores to purchase food. Individuals must apply in the state in which they currently live and meet certain requirements.

WHAT THE BILL DID: The final vetoed version would prohibit DES from seeking, applying, accepting or renewing any waiver of work requirement for able-bodied adults without dependents unless it is required by federal law or authorized by state law and forbids DES from exercising the state's option to provide any exemptions from the federal work requirement unless authorized by state law.

WHY IT MATTERED: The practical reason for this bill was to set a clear legal boundary for snap instead of leaving the conduct unaddressed. It would prohibit DES from seeking, applying, accepting or renewing any waiver of work requirement for able-bodied adults without dependents unless it is required by federal law or authorized by state law, and would also forbids DES from exercising the state's option to provide any exemptions from the federal work requirement unless authorized by state law, rather than leave the current rule unchanged.