H.B. 2154 Summary

• Authorizes healthcare providers, non-profits, businesses, and faith-based organizations to provide Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) applications to prospective applicants.

• Allows these organizations to maintain records of SNAP application distribution and make records available to the Department of Human Services upon request.

• Addresses Hawaii's low SNAP participation rate (ranked 34th among states in 2014) despite the state receiving over $500 million annually in federal SNAP funds.

• Aims to increase food security for low-income individuals and families while generating additional economic activity, as Moody's Analytics estimates each SNAP dollar generates up to $1.70 in local economic activity.

• Takes effect July 1, 3000.