HI HB1099

Appropriates $5,467,164 in emergency general revenues for fiscal year 2024-2025 to the Department of Human Services for developing a new supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) eligibility system.

Funds represent 50 percent of a $10,934,327 penalty assessed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service in June 2024 for SNAP payment error rates exceeding the national average for two consecutive federal fiscal years.

Reinvesting 50 percent of the penalty in system improvements that reduce error rates below the current 11.68 percent national average will waive the remaining 50 percent penalty payment obligation.

The new eligibility system is anticipated for completion in late 2025 and will automate eligibility worker tasks to increase efficiency and reduce processing errors.

Declares that the appropriation will further exceed the general fund expenditure ceiling for fiscal year 2024-2025, which has already been exceeded by $38,885,954.