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 participation by December 1, 2025. An advisory committee, consisting of various stakeholders such as community action agencies, nonprofit organizations, and the restaurant industry, will assist in this development. Additionally, the bill establishes a task force to study and recommend ways to maximize the use of SNAP funds for expanding nutritional services for the elderly, with reports due to the Commissioner of Social Services and relevant legislative committees by January 1, 2026.

The bill also requires the Attorney General to submit an annual report starting October 1, 2025, detailing price discrimination investigations against grocery stores in food deserts, and outlines the formation of a task force to study and recommend ways to maximize SNAP funds for elderly nutritional services. The task force will consist of representatives from area agencies on aging and other relevant organizations, with findings due by January 15, 2026. The DSS commissioner is mandated to work with aging and disability services to ensure effective utilization of SNAP funds for nutritious meals, with biannual reports starting December 31, 2025, on funding use and any impediments. The bill emphasizes legislative involvement and requires specific appointments for the advisory committee and task force within 30 days of passage. No deletions from current law are included in the bill, but it introduces new provisions to enhance nutritional support for vulnerable populations.