HI HB40

Authorizes health care providers, non-profit organizations, businesses, and faith-based organizations to distribute supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) applications to prospective applicants.

Finds that Hawaii had 173,669 SNAP participants in September 2016, representing a 5.1% decrease from September 2015, and ranked 34th among states in percentage of eligible individuals participating in SNAP despite securing over $500 million annually in federal SNAP funding.

Establishes that increased SNAP participation would generate additional federal funding for Hawaii and that Moody's Analytics estimates every dollar in SNAP funds generates $1.70 in local economic activity.

Recognizes that many eligible individuals do not participate in SNAP because they are unaware of the program or their eligibility, and that expanded distribution of applications may increase participation and food security for low-income families.

Takes effect on January 1, 2059.