HB 539 Summary

• Expands supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) eligibility in Hawaii to include individuals and households with monthly income at or below 300% of the federal poverty level, increasing the threshold from the current 200%.

• Appropriates $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2025-2026 and $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2026-2027 to provide state-funded SNAP benefits for eligible households not covered by federal assistance.

• Requires the department of human services to administer the program using the federal SNAP benefit formula established by the United States Department of Agriculture.

• Addresses the "benefits cliff" problem where earning additional income causes households to lose thousands of dollars in federal assistance annually, which currently discourages wage increases and career advancement.

• Takes effect July 1, 2025.