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. An advisory committee, consisting of various stakeholders, will assist in this initiative and must report its findings to the Human Services Committee by the same deadline.

Additionally, the bill establishes a task force to study and recommend ways to maximize the use of SNAP funds to expand nutritional services for elderly persons, with reports due by January 15, 2026. The task force will include representatives from area agencies on aging and elderly nutrition providers. The bill also requires the Attorney General to submit an annual report starting October 1, 2025, on price discrimination investigations against grocery stores in food deserts. While the bill introduces new provisions to enhance nutritional services, it does not include any deletions from current law. The effective date of the bill is upon passage, and it is expected to incur costs for the Department of Social Services, including hiring staff and implementing system changes.