The proposed General Assembly Substitute Bill No. 497 aims to bolster food security for veterans and vulnerable populations impacted by federal program cuts. It establishes a supplemental nutrition assistance transitional benefit account, funded by a $40 million transfer from the Federal Cuts Response Fund for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027. The bill requires the Commissioner of Social Services to seek a waiver from federal law to exempt individuals in high-unemployment areas from the three-month participation limit in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Additionally, it introduces a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Transitional Benefit Program for those at risk of losing benefits due to new federal work requirements, providing monthly benefits, job training, and case management. The legislation also aims to limit the lookback period for compliance with work requirements to one month and allows alternative income verification methods for vulnerable individuals.

Moreover, the bill includes a pilot program to improve health outcomes for Medicaid beneficiaries with chronic conditions through "produce prescriptions" for fruits and vegetables, alongside nutritional counseling. The Commissioner of Social Services is tasked with seeking federal approval for a Medicaid waiver by October 1, 2026, and must report annually on the program's impact. The bill also amends eligibility criteria for the temporary assistance for needy families program and the supplemental nutrition assistance program, allowing individuals with felony convictions related to controlled substances to qualify for benefits after completing their sentences. It simplifies the SNAP application process by aligning it with federal regulations and removes the requirement for applicants to attest to probation or parole status. Additionally, the bill establishes a framework for setting maximum allowable rates for home care services and mandates annual cost-of-living adjustments for meals on wheels providers.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
HS Joint Favorable:
File No. 486:
APP Joint Favorable: