This bill mandates the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to submit a waiver to the U.S. Department of Agriculture to exclude candy and soft drinks from the list of eligible purchases under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by January 1, 2027. Additionally, it strengthens work requirements for SNAP eligibility, ensuring that the DHHS cannot seek waivers or adopt exemptions from these requirements without prior legislative approval. The bill also establishes a series of data-sharing agreements with various state agencies to enhance the verification of SNAP eligibility, including tracking changes in circumstances that may affect eligibility, such as employment status or out-of-state purchases.

Furthermore, the bill prohibits the DHHS from applying more lenient standards for SNAP eligibility than those set by federal law, including income and asset limits. It requires the department to flag individuals making purchases exclusively out-of-state and to investigate their residency status, with a referral to the U.S. Attorney's Office for those found to be improperly receiving benefits. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 167:7-b
SB615 text: 167:7-b