HI SB1418

Appropriates $5,467,164 from general revenues for fiscal year 2024-2025 to the Department of Human Services for development of a new SNAP eligibility system.

Funds represent 50% 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.

Reinvestment in system improvements is intended to automate eligibility worker tasks and reduce payment errors; if successful in bringing error rates below the 11.68% national average, the State will not owe the remaining 50% of the penalty.

Declares the state general fund expenditure ceiling for fiscal year 2024-2025 has already been exceeded by $8,551,795, and this appropriation will further exceed it by $5,467,164.

Takes effect upon approval and is recommended by the governor for immediate passage as an emergency measure under the Hawaii Constitution.