The bill, identified as Substitute Senate Bill No. 364 with File No. 312, proposes amendments to the general statutes concerning the distribution of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Specifically, it introduces a new subsection (d) to Section 17b-105a, which mandates that the Commissioner of Social Services stagger the distribution of SNAP benefits for new enrollees starting January 1, 2025. The benefits must be distributed at multiple intervals throughout the month, rather than all at once. The bill requires the commissioner to submit a report on the distribution plan by October 1, 2024, to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly with jurisdiction over human services, and a follow-up report on the implementation of the plan by January 1, 2026.

Additionally, the bill requires the Commissioner of Social Services to study the potential implementation of the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) in Connecticut, which would allow eligible SNAP beneficiaries to purchase meals at participating restaurants using their benefits. The study aims to explore how to offer a variety of restaurant choices and healthy meal options statewide with minimal impact on grocery store access for SNAP beneficiaries. The commissioner must report the findings, including recommendations on recruiting restaurants, payment options, maintaining grocery store viability, and associated costs, to the Human Services Committee by October 1, 2024. The bill defines eligible beneficiaries for the RMP as those who are 60 years or older, disabled, homeless, or their spouses. The bill is effective upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
HS Joint Favorable Substitute:
File No. 312: