HB 06229 Summary

• Each public institution of higher education must conduct a biennial survey by March 1, 2022 to assess student food insecurity, including questions about demographics, barriers to food access, and awareness of available resources.

• Institutions must evaluate and amend or establish services and programs by October 1, 2022 to address food-insecure students, including SNAP enrollment assistance, low-cost meal options, food pantries, and fruit/vegetable incentive programs, with a goal of serving at least 10% of identified food-insecure students.

• Institutions must submit biennial reports by January 1, 2023 to the higher education committee detailing survey results, available services and programs, and utilization numbers.

• The Department of Social Services and higher education boards must consult by January 1, 2022 to identify educational programs that qualify as employment and training programs for SNAP eligibility exemptions, and post qualifying programs online by July 1, 2022.

• Students approved for work-study financial aid are automatically considered participants in a work-study program for SNAP eligibility purposes, and institutions must notify potentially eligible students about SNAP requirements and application assistance.