This bill aims to enhance eligibility requirements for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in Iowa, specifically targeting pregnant women, postpartum women, and infants. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is mandated to request a waiver from the USDA's Food and Nutrition Service to allow for continuous eligibility during pregnancy, as well as 12 months of continuous eligibility postpartum and from an infant's birth, for families with incomes at or below 375% of the federal poverty level. If the waiver is approved, HHS must implement it within 30 days. Should the waiver be denied, HHS is required to report to the General Assembly by December 31, 2025, detailing the costs associated with providing these benefits without federal assistance.

Additionally, if the waiver is not approved and the General Assembly allocates funds for this purpose, the expanded eligibility provisions will take effect on July 1, 2026. This includes the same eligibility criteria for pregnant women, postpartum women, and infants as outlined in the waiver request. The bill emphasizes the importance of ensuring access to nutritional support for vulnerable populations in Iowa, while also establishing a contingency plan should federal approval not be granted.