HB 687 Summary

• Amends Chapter 346, Hawaii Revised Statutes to add four new sections governing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

• Requires the Department of Human Services to prorate or exclude income from household members who are ineligible for SNAP due to immigration status or other federally permitted exclusion criteria.

• Mandates establishment of a standardized medical expense deduction for elderly or disabled SNAP households, with option for eligible households to claim actual expenses exceeding the standard deduction.

• Requires the Department to establish a pre-release SNAP application process for incarcerated individuals scheduled for release, including partnering with correctional facilities and ensuring benefits are available upon or shortly after release.

• Eliminates the federal lifetime ban on SNAP benefits for individuals convicted of drug felonies, making such individuals eligible in Hawaii; requires annual legislative reports beginning in 2026 on program implementation, costs, participation rates, and recommendations.