Substitute Senate Bill No. 1482 aims to enhance nutritional support for elderly individuals and other eligible beneficiaries through the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Restaurant Meals Program. The bill mandates the Commissioner of Social Services to develop a plan for state participation in the Restaurant Meals Program, which allows eligible SNAP beneficiaries to purchase meals at participating restaurants. The commissioner is required to file a report on this plan by November 1, 2025, and submit a formal application for state participation by December 1, 2025. Additionally, a 13-member advisory committee will be established to assist in this initiative, consisting of various stakeholders, including representatives from community action agencies, nonprofit organizations, and the restaurant industry.

The bill also establishes a task force to study and recommend ways to maximize the use of SNAP funds to expand nutritional services for elderly persons, which includes reviewing existing elderly nutrition programs and identifying potential improvements. The task force will consist of representatives from area agencies on aging and nutrition providers, and it is required to submit recommendations to the Commissioner of Social Services and relevant legislative committees by January 15, 2026. Furthermore, the bill introduces new sections to current law, including the establishment of the advisory committee and task force, while deleting outdated provisions. It also requires the Attorney General to submit an annual report starting October 1, 2025, on price discrimination investigations against grocery stores in food deserts, thereby ensuring consumer protection and enhancing the nutritional support framework for vulnerable populations.