HB 1270

Abstract

SNAP benefits program; inmates of state or local correctional facilities. Directs the Department of Social Services (the Department) to convene a work group to analyze and develop a proposal to request a waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to allow individuals in the custody of state or local correctional facilities in the Commonwealth to apply for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits prior to release from custody. The bill directs the Department to report the work group's findings and recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly by November 1, 2022.

SNAP benefits program; inmates of state or local correctional facilities. Directs the Department of Social Services (the Department) to submit to the U.S. Department of Agriculture a request for a waiver to allow individuals in the custody of state or local correctional facilities to apply for SNAP benefits prior to release from custody and, upon approval of such waiver, to (i) implement a process by which such individuals may apply for SNAP benefits prior to release and (ii) distribute to the Department of Corrections and the State Board of Local and Regional Jails information regarding such process.

SNAP benefits program; inmates of state or local correctional facilities. Requires the Department of Social Services(the Department) to establish a process that (i) allows inmatesof state or local correctional facilities to submit within 45 daysof the inmate's expected release date an application to participatein the SNAP benefits program and (ii) enables eligible inmates toreceive SNAP benefits immediately upon release. The bill requiresthe Department to distribute to the Department of Corrections andthe Board of Local and Regional Jails information regarding suchprocess and certain other information described in the bill. Thebill has a delayed effective date of October 1, 2023.