This bill seeks to update Montana's food stamp program by aligning it with federal terminology and practices, specifically transitioning to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). It introduces a statutory appropriation for federal funds received under SNAP, which will be used to provide electronic benefit transfer cards to low-income individuals for food purchases. The bill amends several sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA), including the addition of Section 53-2-901 to the list of laws containing statutory appropriations, and repeals Section 53-2-904. Furthermore, it modernizes the language used in workers' compensation coverage for SNAP participants by replacing "food stamp" with "supplemental nutrition assistance," ensuring consistency with federal guidelines.

In addition to updating definitions and provisions related to public assistance programs, the bill clarifies the roles and responsibilities of the Department of Public Health and Human Services in administering these programs. It establishes an electronic benefit transfer card system for SNAP and mandates the sharing of eligibility data with the unemployment compensation program. The bill also outlines the rights of applicants to appeal decisions regarding assistance and introduces new definitions and eligibility criteria for various assistance programs. Notably, it repeals a section concerning income and resource exclusions for FAIM participants, indicating a shift in program management. The changes are set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 17-7-502, 39-71-118, 40-4-215, 53-2-201, 53-2-211, 53-2-606, 53-2-901, 53-2-902, 53-2-903, 53-3-115