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SB 461

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - Heat and Eat Program - Study

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Cory McCray

Maryland expands SNAP eligibility by allowing utility costs as deductible expenses, potentially increasing food assistance for low-income households struggling with energy costs.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 685
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 461

Legislative bill overview

SB 461 modifies Maryland's eligibility requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by implementing or expanding the "Heat and Eat" program mechanism. This federal policy allows states to count utility costs as deductible expenses, effectively increasing SNAP benefits for eligible households by reducing countable income. The bill appears designed to expand access to or simplify enrollment in this existing federal benefit.

Why is this important

SNAP benefits provide food assistance to low-income households, and increasing effective benefits can reduce food insecurity. The Heat and Eat approach is a recognized federal strategy that helps working families and seniors stretch limited resources by acknowledging heating and cooling costs. Even modest expansions of SNAP eligibility can affect thousands of Maryland residents and state budgeting for program administration.

Potential points of contention

  • Program costs and state budget impact: Expanding SNAP eligibility increases state administrative costs and potentially increases matching fund requirements, creating budget pressures during economic downturns
  • Defining utility costs: Determining which heating/cooling expenses qualify and how to verify them consistently could create administrative complexity and potential fraud risk
  • Income threshold interactions: The policy's interaction with other means-tested benefits (housing assistance, Medicaid) may create unintended cliff effects or benefit loss scenarios for households near eligibility boundaries

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

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