HB539

Hawaii HB539 expands eligibility for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to households with incomes up to 300% of the federal.

Hawaii HB539 aims to address food insecurity by expanding eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to include households with incomes up to 300% of the federal poverty level. This change seeks to alleviate the financial strain on low-income families, particularly those who fall just above the current 200% threshold, where a small increase in income can result in significant loss of benefits. The bill also highlights the economic impact of SNAP, noting that it supports over 130,000 individuals and contributes over $630 million to the state's economy annually.