SB 960: DHS; Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; Positions; Appropriations
- Session Year: 2025-2026
- House: Senate
- Latest Version Date: 2025-04-25
Current Status:
In Progress
(2025-07-01: Act 264, on 07/01/2025 (Gov. Msg. No. 1367).)
Introduced
In Committee
First Chamber
In Committee
Second Chamber
Final Decking
Enacted
Appropriates funds to the Department of Human Services to enhance access to and participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, including establishing additional positions. (CD1)
Appropriates funds to the Department of Human Services to improve Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program rates, including establishing additional positions. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
Appropriates funds to the Department of Human Services to improve Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program rates, including establishing additional positions. Effective 7/1/2027. (HD1)
Appropriates funds to the Department of Human Services to improve Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program rates, including establishing additional positions. Effective 7/1/2027. (SD1)
Appropriates funds to the Department of Human Services to improve Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program rates, including establishing additional positions.
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
960 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
S.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
H.D. 2 |
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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:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that many low-income households struggle to purchase food due to Hawaii's high cost of living and food prices. The supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP), formerly known as the food stamp program, is crucial to providing necessary food assistance to some of Hawaii's most economically disadvantaged residents.
The legislature further finds that SNAP is the most effective anti-hunger initiative in the country. In Hawaii, SNAP supports over one hundred thirty thousand individuals, bringing more than $630,000,000 into the State's economy each year. These benefits help economically vulnerable households meet their basic nutritional needs without sacrificing their financial security.
The legislature additionally finds that a study co-authored by the university of Hawaii economic research organization and Hawaii Public Health Institute found that eliminating the net income limit criteria for SNAP beneficiaries would provide an additional $45,000,000 in benefits to struggling families across the State and expand eligibility for thirteen thousand to fourteen thousand more households, with each household receiving an average of $3,200 annually in food assistance. In September 2024, Governor Josh Green subsequently announced that the State would remove the net income limit criteria to strengthen Hawaii's social welfare system for working-class families.
The legislature also finds that SNAP access and participation rates are hampered by understaffing at the department of human services. Improvements to SNAP in the State, including elimination of the net income limit, will only be effective if they are able to be fully implemented, which will require additional staffing for the department of human services. Moreover, since SNAP benefits are federally reimbursable, increasing staff to increase the State's SNAP program's participation rate could generate hundreds of millions of dollars in federal revenue to combat food insecurity in local communities.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to the department of human services to enhance access to and participation in the supplemental nutrition assistance program.
SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $1,100,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 to strengthen access to the supplemental nutrition assistance program by:
(1) Authorizing differential pay increases for positions related to the facilitation of the supplemental nutrition assistance program;
(2) Establishing new positions to improve access to the supplemental nutrition assistance program, particularly for economically disadvantaged communities; and
(3) Undertaking any other programs or initiatives the department of human services deems effective in improving supplemental nutrition assistance program participation rates.
The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of human services for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2025.
Report Title:
DHS; Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; Positions; Appropriations
Description:
Appropriates funds to the Department of Human Services to enhance access to and participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, including establishing additional positions. (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. |
960 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
S.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
H.D. 2 |
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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:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that many low-income households struggle to purchase food due to Hawaii's high cost of living and food prices. The supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP), formerly known as the food stamp program, is crucial to providing necessary food assistance to some of Hawaii's most economically disadvantaged residents.
The legislature further finds that SNAP is the most effective anti-hunger initiative in the country. In Hawaii, SNAP supports over one hundred thirty thousand individuals, bringing more than $630,000,000 into the State's economy each year. These benefits help economically vulnerable households meet their basic nutritional needs without sacrificing their financial security.
The legislature additionally finds that a study co-authored by the university of Hawaii economic research organization and Hawaii Public Health Institute found that eliminating the net income limit criteria for SNAP beneficiaries would provide an additional $45,000,000 in benefits to struggling families across the State and expand eligibility for thirteen thousand to fourteen thousand more households, with each household receiving an average of $3,200 annually in food assistance. In September 2024, Governor Josh Green subsequently announced that the State would remove the net income limit criteria to strengthen Hawaii's social welfare system for working-class families.
The legislature also finds that SNAP access and participation rates are hampered by understaffing at the department of human services. Improvements to SNAP in the State, including elimination of the net income limit, will only be effective if they are able to be fully implemented, which will require additional staffing for the department of human services. Moreover, since SNAP benefits are federally reimbursable, increasing staff for the State's SNAP program could generate hundreds of millions of dollars in federal revenue to combat food insecurity in local communities by strengthening the State's SNAP participation rate.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to the department of human services to enhance staffing related to the supplemental nutrition assistance program.
SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 to strengthen access to the supplemental nutrition assistance program by:
(1) Authorizing differential pay increases for positions related to the facilitation of the supplemental nutrition assistance program;
(2) Establishing new positions to improve access to the supplemental nutrition assistance program, particularly for economically disadvantaged communities; and
(3) Undertaking any other programs or initiatives the department of human services deems effective in improving supplemental nutrition assistance program participation rates.
The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of human services for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
Report Title:
DHS; Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; Appropriation
Description:
Appropriates funds to the Department of Human Services to improve Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program rates, including establishing additional positions. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
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. |
960 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
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:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that many low-income households struggle to purchase food due to Hawaii's high cost of living and food prices. The supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP), formerly known as the food stamp program, is crucial to providing necessary food assistance to some of Hawaii's most economically disadvantaged residents.
The legislature further finds that SNAP is the most effective anti-hunger initiative in the country. In Hawaii, SNAP supports over one hundred thirty thousand individuals, bringing more than $630,000,000 into the State's economy each year. These benefits help economically vulnerable households meet their basic nutritional needs without sacrificing their financial security.
The legislature additionally finds that a study co-authored by the university of Hawaii economic research organization and Hawaii Public Health Institute found that eliminating the net income limit criteria for SNAP beneficiaries would provide an additional $45,000,000 in benefits to struggling families across the State and expand eligibility for thirteen thousand to fourteen thousand more households, with each household receiving an average of $3,200 annually in food assistance. In September 2024, Governor Josh Green subsequently announced that the State would remove the net income limit criteria to strengthen Hawaii's social welfare system for working-class families.
The legislature also finds that SNAP access and participation rates are hampered by understaffing at the department of human services. Improvements to SNAP in the State, including elimination of the net income limit, will only be effective if they are able to be fully implemented, which will require additional staffing for the department of human services. Moreover, since SNAP benefits are federally reimbursable, increasing staff for the State's SNAP program could generate hundreds of millions of dollars in federal revenue to combat food insecurity in local communities by strengthening the State's SNAP participation rate.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to the department of human services to enhance staffing related to the supplemental nutrition assistance program.
SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 to strengthen access to the supplemental nutrition assistance program by:
(1) Authorizing differential pay increases for positions related to the facilitation of the supplemental nutrition assistance program;
(2) Establishing new positions to improve access to the supplemental nutrition assistance program, particularly for economically disadvantaged communities; and
(3) Undertaking any other programs or initiatives the department of human services deems effective in improving supplemental nutrition assistance program participation rates.
The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of human services for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2027.
Report Title:
DHS; Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; Appropriation
Description:
Appropriates funds to the Department of Human Services to improve Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program rates, including establishing additional positions. Effective 7/1/2027. (HD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
|
THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
960 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
S.D. 1 |
|
|
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:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that many low-income households struggle to purchase food due to Hawaii's high cost of living and food prices. The supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP), formerly known as the food stamp program, is crucial to providing necessary food assistance to some of Hawaii's most economically disadvantaged residents.
The legislature further finds that SNAP is the most effective anti-hunger initiative in the country. In Hawaii, SNAP supports over one hundred thirty thousand individuals, bringing more than $630,000,000 into the State's economy each year. These benefits help economically vulnerable households meet their basic nutritional needs without sacrificing their financial security.
The legislature additionally finds that a study co-authored by the university of Hawaii economic research organization and Hawaii Public Health Institute found that eliminating the net income limit criteria for SNAP beneficiaries would provide an additional $45,000,0000 in benefits to struggling families across the State and expand eligibility for thirteen thousand to fourteen thousand more households, with each household receiving an average of $3,200 annually in food assistance. In September 2024, Governor Josh Green subsequently announced that the State would remove the net income limit criteria to strengthen Hawaii's social welfare system for working-class families.
The legislature also finds that SNAP access and participation rates are hampered by understaffing at the department of human services. Improvements to SNAP in the State, including elimination of the net income limit, will only be effective if they are able to be fully implemented, which will require additional staffing for the department of human services. Moreover, since SNAP benefits are federally reimbursable, increasing staff for the State's SNAP program could generate hundreds of millions of dollars in federal revenue to combat food insecurity in local communities by strengthening the State's SNAP participation rate.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to the department of human services to enhance staffing related to the supplemental nutrition assistance program.
SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 to strengthen access to the supplemental nutrition assistance program by:
(1) Authorizing differential pay increases for positions related to the facilitation of the supplemental nutrition assistance program;
(2) Establishing new positions to improve access to the supplemental nutrition assistance program, particularly for economically disadvantaged communities; and
(3) Undertaking any other programs or initiatives the department of human services deems effective in improving supplemental nutrition assistance program participation rates.
The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of human services for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2027.
Report Title:
DHS; Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; Appropriations
Description:
Appropriates funds to the Department of Human Services to improve Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program rates, including establishing additional positions. Effective 7/1/2027. (SD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
|
THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
960 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
|
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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:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that many low-income households struggle to purchase food due to Hawaii's high cost of living and food prices. The supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP), formerly known as the food stamp program, is crucial to providing necessary food assistance to some of Hawaii's most economically disadvantaged residents.
The legislature further finds that SNAP is the most effective anti-hunger initiative in the country. In Hawaii, SNAP supports over one hundred thirty thousand individuals, bringing more than $630,000,000 into the State's economy each year. These benefits help economically vulnerable households meet their basic nutritional needs without sacrificing their financial security.
The legislature additionally finds that a study co-authored by the university of Hawaii economic research organization and Hawaii Public Health Institute found that eliminating the net income limit criteria for SNAP beneficiaries would provide an additional $45,000,0000 in benefits to struggling families across the State and expand eligibility for thirteen thousand to fourteen thousand more households, with each household receiving an average of $3,200 annually in food assistance. In September 2024, Governor Josh Green subsequently announced that the State would remove the net income limit criteria to strengthen Hawaii's social welfare system for working-class families.
The legislature also finds that SNAP access and participation rates are hampered by understaffing at the department of human services. Improvements to SNAP in the State, including elimination of the net income limit, will only be effective if they are able to be fully implemented, which will require additional staffing for the department of human services. Moreover, since SNAP benefits are federally reimbursable, increasing staff for the State's SNAP program could generate hundreds of millions of dollars in federal revenue to combat food insecurity in local communities by strengthening the State's SNAP participation rate.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to the department of human services to enhance staffing related to the supplemental nutrition assistance program.
SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 to strengthen access to the supplemental nutrition assistance program by:
(1) Authorizing differential pay increases for positions related to the facilitation of the supplemental nutrition assistance program;
(2) Establishing new positions to improve access to the supplemental nutrition assistance program, particularly for economically disadvantaged communities; and
(3) Undertaking any other programs or initiatives the department of human services deems effective in improving supplemental nutrition assistance program participation rates.
The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of human services for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2025.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
_____________________________ |
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Report Title:
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; DHS; Appropriation
Description:
Appropriates funds to the Department of Human Services to improve Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program rates, including establishing additional positions.
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 1, 2025 | Act 264, on 07/01/2025 (Gov. Msg. No. 1367). |
| Jul 1, 2025 | Act 264, 07/01/2025 (Gov. Msg. No. 1367). |
| May 2, 2025 | Enrolled to Governor. |
| May 2, 2025 | Received notice of passage on Final Reading in House (Hse. Com. No. 821). |
| May 1, 2025 | Received notice of Final Reading (Sen. Com. No. 888). |
| Apr 30, 2025 | Passed Final Reading as amended in CD 1 with none voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Muraoka, Pierick voting no (2) and Representative(s) Cochran excused (1). |
| Apr 30, 2025 | Passed Final Reading, as amended (CD 1). Ayes, 25; Aye(s) with reservations: none . 0 No(es): none. 0 Excused: none. |
| Apr 25, 2025 | Forty-eight (48) hours notice Wednesday, 04-30-25. |
| Apr 25, 2025 | Reported from Conference Committee (Conf Com. Rep. No. 111) as amended in (CD 1). |
| Apr 25, 2025 | 48 Hrs. Notice (as amended CD 1) 04-30-25. |
| Apr 25, 2025 | Reported from Conference Committee as amended CD 1 (Conf. Com. Rep. No. 111). |
| Apr 24, 2025 | The Conference Committee recommends that the measure be Passed, with Amendments. The votes were as follows: 4 Ayes: Representative(s) Marten, Morikawa, Olds, Alcos; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Apr 24, 2025 | 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) San Buenaventura, Wakai; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Fevella. |
| Apr 23, 2025 | Conference committee meeting to reconvene on 04-24-25 3:30PM; Conference Room 329. |
| Apr 22, 2025 | Conference committee meeting scheduled for 04-23-25 3:30PM; Conference Room 329. |
| Apr 17, 2025 | Received notice of Senate conferees (Sen. Com. No. 829). |
| Apr 17, 2025 | Senate Conferees Appointed: San Buenaventura Chair; Wakai Co-Chair; Fevella. |
| Apr 21, 2025 | Received notice of appointment of House conferees (Hse. Com. No. 754). |
| Apr 17, 2025 | House Conferees Appointed: Marten, Morikawa Co-Chairs; Olds, Alcos. |
| Apr 10, 2025 | Received notice of disagreement (Sen. Com. No. 779). |
| Apr 10, 2025 | Senate disagrees with House amendments. |
| Apr 10, 2025 | Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 665). |
| Apr 8, 2025 | Passed Third Reading as amended in HD 2 with none voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Pierick voting no (1) and Representative(s) Cochran, Marten excused (2). Transmitted to Senate. |
| Apr 4, 2025 | Forty-eight (48) hours notice Tuesday, 04-08-25. |
| Apr 4, 2025 | Reported from FIN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1981) as amended in HD 2, recommending passage on Third Reading. |
| Mar 28, 2025 | The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 14 Ayes: Representative(s) Yamashita, Takenouchi, Grandinetti, Holt, Keohokapu-Lee Loy, Kitagawa, Kusch, Lamosao, Lee, M., Miyake, Morikawa, Templo, Alcos, Reyes Oda; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 2 Excused: Representative(s) Hussey, Ward. |
| Mar 27, 2025 | Bill scheduled for decision making on Friday, 03-28-25 1:59PM in conference room 308 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Mar 27, 2025 | The committee(s) on FIN recommend(s) that the measure be deferred until 03-28-25. |
| Mar 24, 2025 | Bill scheduled to be heard by FIN on Thursday, 03-27-25 3:30PM in House conference room 308 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Mar 19, 2025 | Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on FIN with none voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Pierick voting no (1) and Representative(s) Cochran, Ward excused (2). |
| Mar 19, 2025 | Reported from HSH (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1368) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to FIN. |
| Mar 13, 2025 | The committee on HSH recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 9 Ayes: Representative(s) Marten, Olds, Amato, Chun, Keohokapu-Lee Loy, Takayama, Takenouchi, Alcos, Garcia; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Mar 7, 2025 | Bill scheduled to be heard by HSH on Thursday, 03-13-25 10:00AM in House conference room 329 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Mar 6, 2025 | Referred to HSH, FIN, referral sheet 19 |
| Mar 6, 2025 | Pass First Reading |
| Mar 4, 2025 | Received from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 229) in amended form (SD 1). |
| Mar 4, 2025 | Report adopted; Passed Third Reading. Ayes, 25; Aye(s) with reservations: none . Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 0 (none). Transmitted to House. |
| Feb 28, 2025 | One Day Notice 03-04-25. |
| Feb 28, 2025 | Reported from WAM (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 943) with recommendation of passage on Third Reading. |
| Feb 27, 2025 | The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes in WAM were as follows: 13 Aye(s): Senator(s) Dela Cruz, Moriwaki, Aquino, DeCoite, Elefante, Hashimoto, Inouye, Kanuha, Kidani, Kim, Lee, C., Wakai, Fevella; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Feb 21, 2025 | The committee(s) on WAM will hold a public decision making on 02-27-25 10:30AM; Conference Room 211 & Videoconference. |
| Feb 10, 2025 | Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to WAM. |
| Feb 10, 2025 | Reported from HHS (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 121) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to WAM. |
| Jan 29, 2025 | 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, Aquino, Hashimoto, Keohokalole, Fevella; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Jan 24, 2025 | The committee(s) on HHS has scheduled a public hearing on 01-29-25 1:00PM; Conference Room 225 & Videoconference. |
| Jan 23, 2025 | Referred to HHS, WAM. |
| Jan 21, 2025 | Passed First Reading. |
| Jan 17, 2025 | 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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|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 30, 2025 | Final Reading | House Floor |
Passed |
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| Apr 30, 2025 | Final Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
|
| Apr 8, 2025 | Third Reading | House Floor |
Passed |
|
| Mar 28, 2025 | The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Finance |
Passed |
|
| Mar 13, 2025 | The committee on HSH recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Human Services & Homelessness |
Passed |
|
| Mar 4, 2025 | Third Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
|
| Feb 27, 2025 | The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | Senate Standing Committee on Ways and Means |
Passed |
|
| Jan 29, 2025 | 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
|
|---|---|---|
| AAUW of Hawaiʻi | ** Support | |
| Aloha United Way | *** Support | Jan 28, 2025 |
| Aloha United Way, Inc. | ** Support | |
| AlohaCare | ** Support | |
| AlohaCare | *** Support | Mar 27, 2025 |
| Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi | ** Support | |
| Chamber of Sustainable Commerce | ** Support | |
| County of Hawaiʻi Department of Research and Development | *** Support | Mar 27, 2025 |
| Department of Health (attached agency) | *** Support | Mar 27, 2025 |
| Department of Research & Development of the County of Hawaiʻi | ** Support | |
| Edmar Castillo Photography | ** Support | |
| Edmar Castillo Photography | *** Support | Mar 27, 2025 |
| Executive Office on Aging | ** Support | |
| Executive Office on Aging (attached to DOH) | *** Support | Mar 13, 2025 |
| Get Fit Kauai | ** Support | |
| Green Party of Hawai’i | *** Support | Feb 26, 2025 |
| Hawaii Food+ Policy | ** Support | |
| Hawaii Food Bank, Inc. | ** Support | |
| Hawaii Food Industry Association | ** Support | |
| Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition | ** Support | |
| Hawaii Public Health Institute | ** Support | |
| Hawaiʻi Foodbank | ** Support | |
| Hawaiʻi Primary Care Association | ** Support | |
| Hawaiʻi Alliance for Progressive Action | ** Support | |
| Hawaiʻi Appleseed Center for Law & Economic Justice | ** Support | |
| Hawaiʻi Children's Action Network Speaks! | ** Support | |
| Hawaiʻi Family Caregiver Coalition | ** Support | |
| Hawaiʻi Farmers Union | ** Support | |
| Hawaiʻi Hunger Action Network | ** Support | |
| Indivisible Hawaiʻi Working Families Team | ** Support | |
| Ka Ohana O Na Pua | ** Support | |
| Kauai Women's Caucus | ** Support | |
| Malana Kauai | ** Support | |
| Malana Kaua‘i | *** Support | Mar 13, 2025 |
| North Hawaii Community Action Network | ** Support | |
| North Hawaii Community Action Network | *** Support | Mar 13, 2025 |
| North Shore Nutrition | ** Support | |
| Save Medicaid Hawaii | *** Support | Feb 26, 2025 |
| Strata Farms LLC | ** Support | |
| Strata Farms LLC | *** Support | Jan 28, 2025 |
CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REP. NO. 111
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2025
RE: S.B. No. 960
S.D. 1
H.D. 2
C.D. 1
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Sir and Madam:
Your Committee on Conference on the disagreeing vote of the Senate to the amendments proposed by the House of Representatives in S.B. No. 960, S.D. 1, H.D. 2, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM,"
having met, and after full and free discussion, has agreed to recommend and does recommend to the respective Houses the final passage of this bill in an amended form.
The purpose of this measure is to appropriate funds to the Department of Human Services to enhance access to, and participation in, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, including establishing additional positions.
Your Committee on Conference finds that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) supports over one hundred thirty thousand individuals in the State, helping economically vulnerable households meet their basic nutritional needs without sacrificing their financial security. Your Committee on Conference further finds that the Department of Human Services lacks staffing needed to support the eligibility certification process through document processing, application registration, and other administrative functions integral to operations. This measure provides additional resources to strengthen the SNAP program in the State.
Your Committee on Conference has amended this measure by:
(1) Inserting an appropriation amount of $1,100,000 for each year of the fiscal biennium to strengthen access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program;
(2) Changing the effective date to July 1, 2025; and
(3) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity and consistency.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the managers of your Committee on Conference that is attached to this report, your Committee on Conference is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 960, S.D. 1, H.D. 2, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Final Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 960, S.D. 1, H.D. 2, C.D. 1.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the managers:
|
ON THE PART OF THE HOUSE |
|
ON THE PART OF THE SENATE |
|
____________________________ LISA MARTEN Co-Chair |
|
____________________________ JOY A. SAN BUENAVENTURA Chair |
|
____________________________ DEE MORIKAWA Co-Chair |
|
____________________________ GLENN WAKAI Co-Chair |
|
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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1981
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2025
RE: S.B. No. 960
S.D. 1
H.D. 2
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Madame:
Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred S.B. No. 960, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM,"
begs leave to report as follows:
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Executive Office on Aging; Department of Research & Development of the County of Hawaiʻi; Edmar Castillo Photography; Hawaiʻi Family Caregiver Coalition; Hawaiʻi Appleseed Center for Law & Economic Justice; Indivisible Hawaiʻi Working Families Team; AAUW of Hawaiʻi; Hawaiʻi Foodbank; Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition; Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi; Hawaiʻi Hunger Action Network; Hawaiʻi Primary Care Association; Hawaiʻi Children's Action Network Speaks!; Kauai Women's Caucus; Hawaii Food Industry Association; Hawaii Food+ Policy; Hawaiʻi Farmers Union; AlohaCare; Hawaiʻi Alliance for Progressive Action; and numerous individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Human Services and Hawaiʻi Public Health Institute.
Your Committee has amended this measure by changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 960, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 960, S.D. 1, H.D. 2.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,
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____________________________ KYLE T. YAMASHITA, Chair |
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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1368
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2025
RE: S.B. No. 960
S.D. 1
H.D. 1
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Madame:
Your Committee on Human Services & Homelessness, to which was referred S.B. No. 960, S.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM,"
begs leave to report as follows:
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Executive Office on Aging; Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition; Indivisible Hawaii Working Families Team; AAUW of Hawaii; Hawaii Appleseed Center for Law & Economic Justice; Ka Ohana O Na Pua; Hawaii Foodbank; Hawaii Hunger Action Network; Hawaii Food Industry Association; North Hawaii Community Action Network; North Shore Nutrition; Get Fit Kauai; Hawaii Food+ Policy; Hawaii Children's Action Network Speaks!; Catholic Charities Hawaii; Hawaii Family Caregiver Coalition; AlohaCare; Hawaii Public Health Institute; Malana Kauai; Hawaii Alliance for Progressive Action; and numerous individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Human Services.
Your Committee finds that many low-income households in Hawaii continue to face significant challenges in accessing sufficient food due to the State's high cost of living and rising food prices. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program plays a vital role in addressing food insecurity, contributing more than $630,000,000 annually to the State's economy. However, participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program remains hindered by administrative challenges, including staff shortages at the Department of Human Services, resulting in prolonged wait times and difficulties in completing eligibility interviews. This measure seeks to allocate funding to strengthen the Department of Human Services' staffing capacity and operational efficiency, ultimately increasing access to food assistance and ensuring that more eligible individuals can benefit from this essential program.
Your Committee has amended this measure by making a technical, nonsubstantive amendment for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.
Your Committee respectfully requests your Committee on Finance, should it deliberate on this measure, to consider an appropriation amount of $1,100,000 for the Department of Human Services to establish an incentive payment for eligibility workers to encourage a higher rate of accurate determinations of eligibility and payments for the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Human Services & Homelessness that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 960, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 960, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Finance.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Human Services & Homelessness,
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____________________________ LISA MARTEN, Chair |
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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 943
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: S.B. No. 960
S.D. 1
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 960, 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 appropriate moneys to the Department of Human Services to enhance staffing related to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from AlohaCare, American Association of University Women of Hawaii, Catholic Charities Hawaii, Get Fit Kauai Healthy Eating + Active Living Coalition of Kauai County, Green Party of Hawaii, Hawaiian Alliance for Progressive Action, Hawaii Appleseed, Hawaii Children's Action Network Speaks!, Hawaii Family Caregiver Coalition, Hawaii Food Industry Association, Hawaii Foodbank, Hawaii Hunger Action Network, Hawaii Primary Care Association, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition, Indivisible Hawaii Statewide Network, Ka Ohana O Na Pua, Save Medicaid Hawaii, and numerous individuals.
Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Human Services and one individual.
Your Committee finds that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program has helped a significant number of low-income individuals and families in the State obtain groceries. Your Committee further finds that, in light of the Governor's announcement in 2024 to remove the net income limit criteria for program beneficiaries, staff enhancement for the program will facilitate expanded access to food assistance.
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. 960, 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. 121
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: S.B. No. 960
S.D. 1
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committee on Health and Human Services, to which was referred S.B. No. 960 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 appropriate funds to the Department of Human Services to improve Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program rates, including establishing additional positions.
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United; Hawaii Public Health Institute; Hawaii Appleseed Center for Law and Economic Justice; Hawaii Food Industry Association; Green Party of Hawaiʻi; Hawaii Primary Care Association; AAUW of Hawaii; Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition; Hawaii Food Bank, Inc.; Chamber of Sustainable Commerce; Aloha United Way, Inc.; AlohaCare; Catholic Charities Hawaii; Hawaiʻi Alliance for Progressive Action; Strata Farms LLC; Hawaiʻi Hunger Action Network; and thirty individuals.
Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Human Services.
Your Committee finds that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the food stamp program, is crucial to providing necessary food assistance to some of Hawaii's most economically disadvantaged residents. Your Committee further finds that SNAP access and participation rates are hampered by understaffing at the Department of Human Services and that improvements to SNAP in the State, including elimination of the net income limit eligibility criteria, will only be effective if they are able to be fully implemented, which will require additional staffing for the Department of Human Services. This measure addresses the Department of Human Services' financial and staffing barriers to promote participation rates of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in the State.
Your Committee acknowledges the concerns raised in testimony by the Department of Human Services regarding the difficulty in retaining staff, and that the current workforce vacancy rate for the Department's processing centers for SNAP and cash assistance applications is at approximately twenty-five percent for eligibility workers and fifty percent for clerical staff. Your Committee believes that the Department of Human Services shall endeavor to fill these vacancies before receiving appropriations to establish new positions.
Accordingly, your Committee has amended this measure by inserting an effective date of July 1, 2027, to allow the Department of Human Services to fill vacant existing positions in their SNAP processing centers.
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. 960, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 960, 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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| Mar 27, 2025 | SB960_HD1_TESTIMONY_FIN_03-27-25_.PDF |
| Mar 13, 2025 | SB960_SD1_TESTIMONY_HSH_03-13-25_.PDF |
| Feb 26, 2025 | SB960_SD1_TESTIMONY_WAM_02-27-25_.PDF |
| Jan 28, 2025 | SB960_TESTIMONY_HHS_01-29-25_.PDF |
Discussed in Hearing
2MIN
Conference Committee
1MIN
Conference Committee
53SEC
Conference Committee
6MIN
House Standing Committee on Finance
20MIN
House Standing Committee on Human Services & Homelessness
2MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Health and Human Services
Bill Author
Bill Co-Author(s):
