SB 49
Department of Legislative Services
Maryland General Assembly
2020 Session
FISCAL AND POLICY NOTE
Third Reader
Senate Bill 49 (Chair, Finance Committee)(By Request - Departmental -
Human Services)
Finance Appropriations
Department of Human Services - Food Supplement Program - Renaming
This departmental bill renames the Food Supplement Program (FSP) in the Department of
Human Services (DHS) as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The
name change aligns the State program’s name with the federal program of the same name.
The publisher of the Annotated Code of Maryland, in consultation with the Department of
Legislative Services, is required to change cross-references and terminology throughout
the code and to describe each change in an editor’s note. The bill takes effect July 1, 2020.
Fiscal Summary
State Effect: Any minimal costs to DHS associated with the bill’s changes can be
absorbed within existing budgeted resources. Revenues are not affected.
Local Effect: None.
Small Business Effect: DHS has determined that this bill has minimal or no impact on
small businesses (attached). The Department of Legislative Services concurs with this
assessment.
Analysis
Current Law: Federal SNAP, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, provides
benefits solely for the purchase of food items to families and individuals who meet income
and resource requirements. Benefits are 100% federally funded, while administrative costs
are split equally between the State and federal government. Program rules and regulations
are issued by the federal government.
Background: In 2008, the federal Food Stamp Program was renamed SNAP to fight the
stigma associated with food stamps. States maintained flexibility to name their own
programs. Maryland is 1 of 18 states that did not change the name of its program following
the federal change. Thirty-three states renamed their food supplement programs, including
the District of Columbia, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. Delaware’s program
is called the Food Supplement Program.
Federal SNAP offers technical assistance to states, including educational graphics, video
files, and other relevant communication materials. Renaming FSP as SNAP will allow the
State to use these and other federally provided materials.
Additional Information
Prior Introductions: None.
Designated Cross File: None.
Information Source(s): U.S. Department of Agriculture; Department of Human Services;
Department of Legislative Services
Fiscal Note History: First Reader - January 7, 2020
mr/jc Third Reader - January 17, 2020
Analysis by: Amberly Holcomb Direct Inquiries to:
(410) 946-5510
(301) 970-5510
SB 49/ Page 2
 ANALYSIS OF ECONOMIC IMPACT ON SMALL BUSINESSES
TITLE OF BILL: Human Services
BILL NUMBER: SB 49
PREPARED BY: Department of Human Services
(Dept./Agency)
PART A. ECONOMIC IMPACT RATING
This agency estimates that the proposed bill:
WILL HAVE MINIMAL OR NO ECONOMIC IMPACT ON MARYLAND
SMALL BUSINESS
OR
WILL HAVE MEANINGFUL ECONOMIC IMPACT ON MARYLAND
SMALL BUSINESSES
PART B. ECONOMIC IMPACT ANALYSIS
SB 49/ Page 3


Statutes affected:
Text - First - Department of Human Services - Food Supplement Program - Renaming: 5-501 Human Services, 5-505 Human Services, 5-503 Human Services, 5-504 Human Services, 5-505 Human Services
Text - Third - Department of Human Services - Food Supplement Program - Renaming: 5-501 Human Services, 5-505 Human Services, 5-503 Human Services, 5-504 Human Services, 5-505 Human Services