Bill
GM 1367
Act 264 removes the net income limit to expand SNAP eligibility and benefits for Hawaii households, with funding to strengthen DHS capacity and maximize federal matching funds.
Status: Enacted as Act 264 after signing by the Governor on July 1, 2025
Bill information:
- Bill Number: SB960 SD1 HD2 CD1
- Title: Relating to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
- Final status: Signed into law (Act 264) on July 1, 2025
- Legislature: Hawaii, 33rd Legislature; Final action occurred with approval by the Governor
Purpose and intent
- The Act addresses hunger and food insecurity in Hawaii by strengthening access to SNAP, the state’s implementation of the federal program (formerly known as the Food Stamp Program).
- It builds on prior steps to remove the net income limit for SNAP eligibility, with the aim of expanding benefits and widening program access, particularly for economically disadvantaged households.
Key provisions and changes
- Eligibility and benefits (policy direction):
- The Act highlights the potential impact of eliminating the net income limit, including an estimated $45,000,000 increase in benefits for struggling families statewide and an expansion of SNAP eligibility to roughly 13,000 to 14,000 more households.
- Average estimated benefit per newly served household: about $3,200 annually.
- Acknowledges that SNAP access and participation are hindered by under-resourcing at the Department of Human Services (DHS) and frames staffing as essential to effective implementation of the net income limit removal.
- Appropriation and program enhancements:
- General fund appropriation: $1,100,000 for Fiscal Years 2025-2026 and $1,100,000 for Fiscal Years 2026-2027.
- Use of funds:
- Authorize differential pay increases for positions related to SNAP facilitation.
- Establish new DHS positions to improve SNAP access, especially for economically disadvantaged communities.
- Support other DHS initiatives and programs deemed effective in increasing SNAP participation.
- The intention is for DHS to use the appropriations to strengthen access to and participation in SNAP.
- Federal revenue impact:
- The Act notes that increasing SNAP participation could generate hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding/revenue flowing into Hawaii to support food assistance efforts.
- Effective date:
- The Act takes effect on July 1, 2025.
Affected entities and stakeholders
- Primary beneficiaries: Low-income and economically disadvantaged individuals and families in Hawaii who rely on or may become eligible for SNAP.
- Implementing agency: Hawaii Department of Human Services, which would administer the program changes, staffing, and related initiatives.
- State and local economies: Increased SNAP participation can influence local spending and federal matching funds.
Procedural/timeline aspects
- The proclamation accompanying the Act confirms the Governor’s signature date (July 1, 2025) and the Act’s designation (Act 264).
- Effective date: July 1, 2025.
- Funding is planned for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027, with ongoing program enhancements contingent on DHS administration and implementation.
In brief, Act 264 formalizes efforts to broaden SNAP access through elimination (or removal) of the net income limit, expands DHS staffing and capabilities to support participation, and appropriates general funds to strengthen program delivery—aiming to increase benefits for more Hawaii households while leveraging federal SNAP funding.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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