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SR 3312

JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $4,800,000 TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Val Lawson

Rhode Island seeks a one-time $4.8 million appropriation to fund the SNAP Eat Well, Be Well Rewards Program, providing up to $25/month to about 90,000 households for fruits and veg

06/04/2026 Referred to House Finance
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SR 3312

Overview

  • Bill: SR 3312
  • Session: 2026
  • Jurisdiction: Rhode Island
  • Title: Joint Resolution Making an Appropriation of $4,800,000 to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Eat Well, Be Well Rewards Program
  • Introduced by: Senator Valarie J. Lawson
  • Date Introduced: May 22, 2026
  • Referred to: Senate Finance

Purpose and Intent

  • To authorize a specific appropriation of $4.8 million to fund Rhode Island’s SNAP Eat Well, Be Well Rewards Program.
  • The resolution frames the program as a statewide initiative designed to increase purchases of fruits and vegetables by SNAP participants, thereby improving access to nutritious foods and supporting food security.

Key Provisions

  • Allocation: Appropriates $4,800,000 from money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027.
  • Recipient program: SNAP Eat Well, Be Well Rewards Program (a statewide incentives program for SNAP households).
  • Authorized disbursement: The state controller is authorized and directed to issue payments upon receipt of properly authenticated vouchers.
  • Timing: Funds are planned for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027 (i.e., the 2027 state fiscal year).

Who is Affected

  • SNAP participants in Rhode Island:
    • Approximately 144,000 recipients are noted as relying on SNAP and benefiting from programs that expand access to nutritious foods.
    • Approximately 90,000 Rhode Island households could receive the additional benefits, up to $25 per month, specifically earmarked for purchasing fruits and vegetables, under the Eat Well, Be Well Rewards Program.
  • SNAP program administrators and state finance/treasury staff:
    • Responsible for administering the appropriation, processing vouchers, and disbursing funds through the governor’s treasury and treasurer’s offices.

Mechanism and Process

  • Funding Mechanism: General treasury appropriation; funds to be drawn by the controller via vouchers, backed by authentication.
  • Administration: The program appears to be administered as part of the SNAP Eat Well, Be Well Rewards Program, a state-level initiative intended to complement SNAP benefits by providing monthly incentives for healthy food purchases.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Legislative Path: The resolution has been introduced and referred to the Senate Finance committee.
  • Fiscal Year Coverage: Funds are designated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027.
  • Authorization: The resolution provides a one-time appropriation, contingent on passage of the joint resolution.

Additional Context

  • The bill emphasizes the Eat Well, Be Well Rewards Program as a pioneering statewide effort, highlighting its aim to improve access to nutritious foods and support households facing food insecurity.
  • No other policy changes or programmatic modifications are specified beyond the funding authorization.

Summary

SR 3312 seeks a one-time appropriation of $4.8 million for Rhode Island’s SNAP Eat Well, Be Well Rewards Program to provide up to $25 per month in additional benefits to eligible households (approximately 90,000 households) to purchase fruits and vegetables, benefiting around 144,000 SNAP recipients. The funds would be distributed in the 2027 fiscal year upon submission of authenticated vouchers, with the state controller directed to issue payment. The measure is currently in the Senate Finance committee.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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