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HF 5133

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program contingency appropriation established, and report required.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn

Creates a state-funded contingency to continue SNAP benefits for up to six weeks during federal funding lapses, using up to $20 million per week.

Introduction and first reading, referred to Children and Families Finance and Policy
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Bill Summary · HF 5133

Summary of HF 5133 (2025-2026) – Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program contingency appropriation

Purpose and intent

HF 5133 would establish a dedicated contingency mechanism to provide temporary state funding to SNAP recipients in Minnesota during a lapse in federal funding. Specifically, it creates a Minnesota general fund appropriation that can be used to support SNAP benefits for up to six weeks per occurrence, in response to a federal shutdown or other lapse in federal SNAP funding.

Key provisions

  • New contingency appropriation (Subdivision 5):

    • Creates a SNAP contingency appropriation from the general fund.
    • Authorized amount: up to $20,000,000 per week.
    • Duration: available for up to six weeks per occurrence.

  • Trigger conditions:

    • There is a full or partial federal government shutdown and federal SNAP funding appropriations have lapsed.
    • The federal SNAP contingency reserve fund either lacks sufficient funds to cover the lapse, or the funds are not released to Minnesota.

  • Allocation mechanism:

    • The weekly appropriation amount is calculated based on Minnesota’s total SNAP federal allocation in the month prior to the appropriation.

  • Funding and budgetary mechanics:

    • If the Minnesota general fund balance is insufficient to cover an appropriation under this provision, the Commissioner of Management and Budget (in consultation with the Commissioner of Children, Youth, and Families) must transfer the necessary amount from the state Budget Reserve (§ 16A.152, subd. 1a) to the general fund to cover the lapse.

  • Reporting requirement:

    • Within 90 days after an appropriation is made, the Commissioner must submit a report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over food support, detailing state SNAP contingency appropriations and expenditures.

What is affected

  • State agencies:

    • Department of Children, Youth & Families (involved in administering the contingency program to counties and SNAP recipients).
    • Department of Management and Budget (budget transfers from the Budget Reserve when needed).

  • SNAP recipients in Minnesota:

    • Potentially receive continued SNAP benefits funded by the state during federally funded lapses, up to six weeks per incident.

  • Counties:

    • Counties would be allocated the state contingency funds to distribute to SNAP recipients.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective trigger: The contingency fund can be deployed only during a federal shutdown or when federal SNAP funds are not released or are insufficient.
  • Disbursement timeline: Weekly allocations can occur for up to six weeks per lapse, with the weekly amount based on the prior month’s federal SNAP allocation.
  • Reporting: A required 90-day post-appropriation report to legislative leadership detailing the appropriations and expenditures.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Stability for SNAP recipients: Provides a state-financed bridge to maintain SNAP benefits when federal funds are delayed or unavailable.
  • State budget implications: Creates a potential contingent liability in the general fund and a mechanism to draw from the Budget Reserve if needed.
  • Transparency and oversight: Mandates reporting to legislators, enabling scrutiny of contingency use and expenditures.

Status and sponsorship

  • Introduced: May 11, 2026
  • Referred to: Children and Families Finance and Policy
  • Sponsor: Co-sponsor Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn

This summary captures the bill’s main objective, key provisions, who is affected, and the procedural timeline surrounding its implementation.

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

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