The bill, HB 1797, amends the eligibility criteria and verification procedures for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in New Hampshire, focusing on strengthening work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWD). It prohibits the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) from seeking waivers or adopting discretionary exemptions from these work requirements without legislative approval. Additionally, the bill mandates that the DHHS not grant categorical eligibility for noncash benefits and apply gross income or asset standards that align strictly with federal law. The department is also required to enter into data-sharing agreements with state agencies to verify SNAP eligibility based on changes in circumstances, such as employment or incarceration.

Moreover, the bill introduces measures to monitor the residency of SNAP recipients by flagging individuals who make purchases exclusively out-of-state, requiring the DHHS to confirm their residency status and refer cases of ineligible recipients to the United States Attorney’s Office. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026. The bill is expected to result in approximately 20,000-25,000 households losing their eligibility for benefits due to the repeal of broad-based categorical eligibility. It also requires the DHHS to implement monthly checks for citizenship or immigration status, which will incur indeterminable costs for system changes and staff training. Overall, while the bill does not provide funding or authorize new positions, it is anticipated to significantly increase state expenditures, with total impacts remaining indeterminable.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 167:7-b
As Amended by the House: 167:7-b
HB1797 text: 167:7-b