SB 3245: DHS; Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; Minimum Certification Periods; Elderly Simplified Application Project; Reports
- Session Year: 2025-2026
- House: Senate
- Latest Version Date: 2026-05-01
Current Status:
Passed
(2026-07-07: Act 193, on 07/07/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1295).)
Introduced
In Committee
First Chamber
In Committee
Second Chamber
Final Decking
Enacted
What does this bill do?
The bill tells the Department of Human Services to change how long households keep Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) certifications: most households would get at least 12 months and households made up entirely of adults 60 or older would get at least 24 months. It also requires the department to join the federal Elderly Simplified Application Project so households of seniors or people with disabilities get recertification periods of at least 36 months and, where federal law allows, have recertification interviews waived. The department must seek any needed federal approvals and report on implementation, costs, and participation to the Legislature.
The summary is provided by generative AI which can make mistakes. For original language, please view the details in the table below.
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 7/1/2028. (CD1)
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. Implementation effective 7/1/2028. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
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 1/30/2050. Implementation effective 7/1/2028. (SD1)
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.
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
3245 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
S.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
H.D. 1 |
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C.D. 1 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
(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 reports 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 2029 and 2030. The reports 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, 2028.
Report Title:
DHS; Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; Minimum Certification Periods; Elderly Simplified Application Project; Reports
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 7/1/2028. (CD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
3245 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
S.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
H.D. 1 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
(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 reports 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 2029 and 2030. The reports 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, 3000; provided that section 1 shall take effect on July 1, 2028.
Report Title:
DHS; Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; Minimum Certification Periods; Elderly Simplified Application Project; Reports
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. Implementation effective 7/1/2028. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
3245 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
S.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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|
|
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
(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 reports 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 2029 and 2030. The reports 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 January 30, 2050; provided that section 1 shall take effect on July 1, 2028.
Report Title:
DHS; Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; Minimum Certification Periods; Elderly Simplified Application Project; Reports
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 1/30/2050. Implementation effective 7/1/2028. (SD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
3245 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
(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 reports 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 2029 and 2030. The reports 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 upon its approval.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
_____________________________ |
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Report Title:
DHS; Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; Minimum Certification Periods; Elderly Simplified Application Project; Reports
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.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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Date
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Status
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| Jul 7, 2026 | Act 193, on 07/07/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1295). |
| Jul 7, 2026 | Act 193, 07/07/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1295). |
| May 8, 2026 | Enrolled to Governor. |
| May 8, 2026 | Received notice of passage on Final Reading in House (Hse. Com. No. 888). |
| May 6, 2026 | Received notice of Final Reading (Sen. Com. No. 816). |
| May 6, 2026 | Passed Final Reading as amended in CD 1 with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and none excused (0). |
| May 6, 2026 | Passed Final Reading, as amended (CD 1). Ayes, 25; Aye(s) with reservations: none . 0 No(es): none. 0 Excused: none. |
| May 1, 2026 | Forty-eight (48) hours notice Wednesday, 05-06-26. |
| May 1, 2026 | Reported from Conference Committee (Conf Com. Rep. No. 195-26) as amended in (CD 1). |
| May 1, 2026 | 48 Hrs. Notice (as amended CD 1) 05-06-26. |
| May 1, 2026 | Reported from Conference Committee as amended CD 1 (Conf. Com. Rep. No. 195-26). |
| May 1, 2026 | The Conference Committee recommends that the measure be Passed, with Amendments. The votes were as follows: 4 Ayes: Representative(s) Marten, Hartsfield, Olds, Garcia; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| May 1, 2026 | The Conference committee recommends that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes of the Senate Conference Managers were as follows: 2 Aye(s): Senator(s) McKelvey, Kanuha; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Fevella. |
| Apr 30, 2026 | Conference committee meeting to reconvene on 05-01-26 2:30PM; CR 329. |
| Apr 28, 2026 | Conference committee meeting to reconvene on 04-30-26 2:30PM; Conference Room 329. |
| Apr 27, 2026 | Received notice of Senate conferees (Sen. Com. No. 779). |
| Apr 27, 2026 | Conference committee meeting scheduled for 04-28-26 2:20PM; Conference Room 329. |
| Apr 27, 2026 | Senate Conferees Appointed: McKelvey Chair; Kanuha Co-Chair; Fevella. |
| Apr 23, 2026 | Received notice of appointment of House conferees (Hse. Com. No. 811). |
| Apr 22, 2026 | House Conferees Appointed: Marten, Hartsfield Co-Chairs; Olds, Garcia. |
| Apr 16, 2026 | Received notice of disagreement (Sen. Com. No. 710). |
| Apr 16, 2026 | Senate disagrees with House amendments. |
| Apr 16, 2026 | Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 767). |
| Apr 14, 2026 | Passed Third Reading with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and none excused (0). Transmitted to Senate. |
| Apr 10, 2026 | Reported from FIN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 2095-26), recommending passage on Third Reading. |
| Apr 8, 2026 | The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes were as follows: 16 Ayes: Representative(s) Todd, Takenouchi, Hartsfield, Hussey, Keohokapu-Lee Loy, Kitagawa, Kusch, Lee, M., Miyake, Morikawa, Perruso, Templo, Yamashita, Alcos, Gedeon, Reyes Oda; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and Excused: none. |
| Apr 6, 2026 | Bill scheduled to be heard by FIN on Wednesday, 04-08-26 2:00PM in House conference room 308 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Mar 24, 2026 | Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on FIN with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Garrett, Quinlan excused (2). |
| Mar 24, 2026 | Reported from HSH (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1372-26) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to FIN. |
| Mar 19, 2026 | The committee on HSH recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 9 Ayes: Representative(s) Marten, Olds, Amato, Hartsfield, Keohokapu-Lee Loy, Takayama, Takenouchi, Alcos, Garcia; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and Excused: none. |
| Mar 17, 2026 | Bill scheduled to be heard by HSH on Thursday, 03-19-26 9:30AM in House conference room 329 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Mar 10, 2026 | Referred to HSH, FIN, referral sheet 16 |
| Mar 10, 2026 | Pass First Reading |
| Mar 6, 2026 | Received from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 128) in amended form (SD 1). |
| Mar 6, 2026 | Report Adopted; Passed Third Reading. Ayes, 24; Aye(s) with reservations: none. Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 1 (Senator(s) Ihara). Transmitted to House. |
| Mar 5, 2026 | One Day Notice 03-06-26. |
| Mar 5, 2026 | Reported from WAM (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 2830) with recommendation of passage on Third Reading. |
| Mar 3, 2026 | The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes in WAM were as follows: 12 Aye(s): Senator(s) Dela Cruz, Moriwaki, DeCoite, Elefante, Hashimoto, Inouye, Kanuha, Kidani, Kim, Lee, C., Richards, Wakai; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Fevella. |
| Feb 25, 2026 | The committee(s) on WAM deferred the measure until 03-03-26 10:15AM; Conference Room 211 & Videoconference. |
| Feb 23, 2026 | The committee(s) on WAM will hold a public decision making on 02-25-26 10:56AM; Conference Room 211 & Videoconference. |
| Feb 20, 2026 | Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to WAM. |
| Feb 20, 2026 | Reported from HHS (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 2552) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to WAM. |
| Feb 18, 2026 | The committee(s) on HHS recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in HHS were as follows: 5 Aye(s): Senator(s) San Buenaventura, McKelvey, Kanuha, Keohokalole, Fevella; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Feb 13, 2026 | The committee(s) on HHS has scheduled a public hearing on 02-18-26 1:00PM; Conference Room 225 & Videoconference. |
| Feb 2, 2026 | Referred to HHS, WAM. |
| Jan 28, 2026 | Passed First Reading. |
| Jan 28, 2026 | Introduced. |
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Date
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Description
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Location
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Votes
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| May 6, 2026 | Final Reading | House Floor |
Passed |
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| May 6, 2026 | Final Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
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| Apr 14, 2026 | Third Reading | House Floor |
Passed |
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| Apr 8, 2026 | The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | House Standing Committee on Finance |
Passed |
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| Mar 19, 2026 | The committee on HSH recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Human Services & Homelessness |
Passed |
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| Mar 6, 2026 | Third Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
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| Mar 3, 2026 | The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | Senate Standing Committee on Ways and Means |
Passed |
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| Feb 18, 2026 | The committee(s) on HHS recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Health and Human Services |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
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Organization
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Position
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Date
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| AARP Hawai‘i | *** Support | Apr 8, 2026 |
| Agriculture Stewardship Hawaiʻi | *** Support | Apr 8, 2026 |
| Agriculture Stewardship Hawai‘i | *** Support | Feb 27, 2026 |
| Aloha United Way | *** Support | Apr 8, 2026 |
| AlohaCare | *** Support | Feb 27, 2026 |
| AlohaCare | *** Support | Apr 8, 2026 |
| City and County of Honolulu, Office of Climate Change, Sustainability, and Resiliency | *** Support | Apr 8, 2026 |
| Faith Action for Community Equity | *** Support | Mar 19, 2026 |
| Hawaii Academy of Family Physicians | ** Support | |
| Hawaiʻi Hunger Action Network | *** Support | Apr 8, 2026 |
| Hawaiʻi State Council on Developmental Disabilities | *** Support | Apr 8, 2026 |
| Hawai‘i Appleseed Center for Law and Economic Justice | *** Support | Apr 8, 2026 |
| Hawai‘i Public Health Institute (HIPHI) | *** Support | Apr 8, 2026 |
| Independent Living Hawaii (AILH) | *** Support | Apr 8, 2026 |
| Kaumakapili Church | *** Support | Apr 8, 2026 |
| Kingdom of The Hawaiian Islands | *** Support | Feb 18, 2026 |
| Ohana Unity Party | *** Support | Feb 18, 2026 |
| Statewide Food Systems Coordinator | *** Support | Mar 19, 2026 |
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2830
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: S.B. No. 3245
S.D. 1
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2026
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 3245, S.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose and intent of this measure is to facilitate the administration of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Specifically, the measure requires the Department of Human Services to:
(1) Set certain minimum certification periods for certain Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits households; and
(2) Participate in, and submit legislative reports regarding, the Elderly Simplified Application Project of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to simplify eligibility determinations for eligible households.
Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Office of Climate Change, Sustainability, and Resiliency of the City and County of Honolulu; AARP Hawaii; Aloha United Way; AlohaCare; Hawaii Appleseed Center for Law and Economic Justice; Hawaii Public Health Institute; Agriculture Stewardship Hawaii; Hawaii Hunger Action Network; and seven individuals.
Your Committee received written comments on this measure from the Department of Human Services.
Your Committee finds that more than one hundred sixty thousand state residents rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for food. Your Committee also finds that federal regulations authorize states to extend the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program certification period for households that include seniors or persons with disabilities. Accordingly, your Committee finds that this measure will enable the Department of Human Services to apply the authorization offered in federal regulations to simplify enrollment in the program and reduce undue administrative burdens for disable users.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 3245, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,
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________________________________ DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair |
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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2552
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: S.B. No. 3245
S.D. 1
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2026
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committee on Health and Human Services, to which was referred S.B. No. 3245 entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose and intent of this measure is to require the Department of Human Services to:
(1) Adjust the minimum certification periods for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits households;
(2) Participate in the Elderly Simplified Application Project; and
(2) Report to the Legislature.
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Office of Climate Change, Sustainability, and Resiliency of the City and County of Honolulu; Hawaiʻi Appleseed Center for Law & Economic Justice; AARP Hawaiʻi; Hawaiʻi Public Health Institute; Aloha United Way; Hawaii Academy of Family Physicians; AlohaCare; Hawaiʻi Hunger Action Network, and ten individuals.
Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Human Services.
Your Committee finds that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a critical lifeline for more than 160,000 State residents. Without it, many of these individuals would not have any money to pay for food at all. Your Committee further finds that federal rules allow states to extend the SNAP certification period for households with seniors or people with disabilities. However, the State currently requires recertification every twelve months for most households. This measure simplifies SNAP enrollment and reduces administrative burdens to increase participation among eligible households.
Your Committee has amended this measure by:
(1) Inserting an effective date of January 30, 2050, to encourage further discussion;
(2) Inserting an implementation date of July 1, 2028; and
(3) Making a technical, nonsubstantive amendment for the purposes of clarity and consistency.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Health and Human Services that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 3245, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 3245, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Health and Human Services,
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________________________________ JOY A. SAN BUENAVENTURA, Chair |
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Date
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Testimony PDF
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| Apr 8, 2026 | SB3245_HD1_TESTIMONY_FIN_04-08-26_.PDF |
| Mar 19, 2026 | SB3245_SD1_TESTIMONY_HSH-HLT_03-19-26_.PDF |
| Feb 27, 2026 | SB3245_SD1_TESTIMONY_WAM_02-25-26_.PDF |
| Feb 18, 2026 | SB3245_TESTIMONY_HHS_02-18-26_.PDF |
Discussed in Hearing
3MIN
Conference Committee
37SEC
Conference Committee
1MIN
Conference Committee
2MIN
Conference Committee
5MIN
House Standing Committee on Finance
4MIN
House Standing Committee on Health
4MIN
House Standing Committee on Human Services & Homelessness
1MIN
House Standing Committee on Health
Bill Author
Bill Co-Author(s):
