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HB 3400

Relating to state finance.

2025 Regular Session

HB 3400 expands state cash aid/SNAP for foreign-born trafficking survivors by including those preparing to file for T/U visas or asylum, and removing some eligibility limits.

In committee upon adjournment.
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Bill Summary · HB 3400

HB 3400 — Relating to state finance (amendment to Illinois Public Aid Code)

Status: In committee upon adjournment (introduced Feb 26, 2025)
Bill number: HB 3400 (introduced by Rep. Elizabeth “Lisa” Hernandez)
Legal reference amended: 305 ILCS 5/16-2 (Survivor Support and Trafficking Prevention Article)

Purpose / Intent

HB 3400 expands access to state cash assistance and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for foreign‑born survivors of trafficking, torture, or other serious crimes by broadening which immigration‑related application steps make a survivor eligible, and by removing certain eligibility limits. The bill is intended to ensure survivors who are pursuing immigration relief can obtain basic public aid.

Key provisions and changes

  • Expands the class of immigration-related steps that qualify a foreign‑born survivor for state cash/SNAP:
    • Applies to individuals who have filed or are preparing to file for T nonimmigrant status (8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(15)(T)), U nonimmigrant status (8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(15)(U)), or asylum (8 U.S.C. § 1158).
    • The bill explicitly covers those “preparing to file,” not only those who have already filed formal applications.
  • Removes the requirement that eligibility be conditioned “subject to available funding.” (Makes eligibility less contingent on explicit available‑funding language.)
  • Removes language excluding single adults without derivative family members from cash/SNAP eligibility. Single foreign‑born adult survivors would therefore be eligible if they otherwise meet program rules.
  • Procedural/effective date: The act takes effect upon becoming law.

Notable ambiguity

  • The bill synopsis states it removes an existing exclusion that barred institutionalized residents (settings that provide the majority of daily meals) from SNAP eligibility. However, the introduced text of the bill still contains a sentence saying “An individual residing in an institution or other setting that provides the majority of the individual's daily meals is not eligible for SNAP benefits.” This creates a discrepancy between the synopsis and the bill text. Readers should note the official bill text as introduced appears to retain that institutional exclusion, despite the synopsis language.

Who is affected

  • Primary beneficiaries: foreign‑born victims of trafficking, torture, or other serious crimes and their derivative family members who are filing or preparing to file T, U, or asylum applications.
  • Newly affected group: single adult survivors without derivative family members (would become eligible).
  • State agencies administering cash assistance and SNAP (potentially increased caseload and administrative processing).
  • If institutional exclusion is removed in final text, residents of institutions that provide most meals would become eligible for SNAP.

Fiscal and policy implications

  • Expanding eligibility and removing the “subject to available funding” qualifier may increase state expenditures for cash assistance and SNAP administrative/benefit costs. The bill text does not include fiscal estimates.
  • Implementation will require agency guidance on documenting “preparing to file” status and processing these applicants.

Procedural history / next steps

  • Introduced Feb 26, 2025; multiple committee referrals (Rules; Appropriations—Health & Human Services; Criminal Jurisprudence); added co-sponsors.
  • Last recorded status: In committee upon adjournment (June 28, 2025).
  • Companion bill: SB 2580.

For final interpretation, consult the enrolled bill text and any legislative fiscal notes or sponsor analyses that may be prepared during committee consideration.

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

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