ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Fifty-sixth Legislature

First Regular Session

House: HHS DP 8-1-0-0

HB 2499: nutrition assistance; transition pilot program

Sponsor: Representative Gress, LD 4

Caucus & COW

Overview

Requires, within 60 days after the effective date, the Department of Economic Security (DES) to develop the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Transition Pilot Program (Pilot Program) to provide nutrition assistance to individuals and families who no longer qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) produce incentive program and transitioning off receiving supplemental assistance.

History

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. DES receives and reviews applications of eligible recipients for SNAP benefits.

DES is authorized to plan, prepare and develop the infrastructure to implement a produce incentive program for SNAP enrollees to purchase eligible Arizona-grown fruits and vegetables at SNAP authorized farmer markets, farm stands, mobile markets, community supported agriculture sites, grocery stores and convenience stores (A.R.S. § 46-231).

Provisions

1. Requires DES, within 60 days after the effective date, to develop a Pilot Program that provides nutrition assistance to individuals and families who no longer qualify for SNAP produce incentive program and are transitioning off receiving supplemental assistance. (Sec. 1)

2. Requires DES to establish criteria for receiving benefits under the Pilot Program, including:

a) the income threshold, over the federal poverty guideline requirements for supplemental nutrition assistance, qualifies an individual or family to receive nutrition assistance;

b) the length of time an individual or family has received supplemental nutritional assistance, before transitioning off SNAP; and

c) a process to determine those individuals and families who are currently receiving supplemental nutrition assistance benefits, who will need additional benefits and for what period of time to permanently transition off of SNAP. (Sec. 1)

3. Directs DES, by June 1 of 2024, 2025 and 2026, to submit a report on the progress of the Pilot program and whether transitional funding is needed to the Governor, Speaker of the House of Representatives, President of the Senate and Chairperson's of the House and Senate Health and Human Services Committees. (Sec. 1)

4. States DES can petition the federal government for federal grants or waivers to implement the Pilot Program. (Sec. 1)

5. Allows DES to use legislative appropriations, private donations, grants and federal monies to implement, support, promote and maintain the Pilot Program. (Sec. 1)

6. Repeals the Pilot Program on January 1, 2027. (Sec. 1)

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10. HB 2499

11. Initials AG/BSR Page 0 Caucus & COW

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