The bill mandates the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to submit a waiver to the U.S. Department of Agriculture by January 1, 2027, to exclude candy and soft drinks from Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. It also strengthens work requirements for SNAP eligibility, ensuring that the DHHS cannot seek waivers or adopt exemptions without legislative approval. Additionally, the bill requires the DHHS to establish data-sharing agreements with state agencies to verify SNAP eligibility and monitor changes in circumstances affecting eligibility, such as employment status or out-of-state purchases. Key insertions include new sections regarding the waiver and eligibility verification procedures, while deletions involve the removal of discretionary exemptions from work requirements and categorical eligibility standards not mandated by federal law.

Furthermore, the bill prohibits the DHHS from applying more lenient standards for SNAP eligibility than those established by federal law. It includes provisions for flagging individuals making exclusive out-of-state purchases and investigating those who may be receiving benefits while not residing in New Hampshire. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026. The bill, HB 1797-FN, also proposes changes to the eligibility criteria for public assistance programs in New Hampshire, specifically targeting the New Hampshire employment program, family assistance program, and SNAP, although specific insertions and deletions related to these programs are not detailed in the provided text. The fiscal note for the bill is pending due to outstanding information from the DHHS.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 167:7-b
HB1797 text: 167:7-b