Arkansas House Bill HB1999

Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/7/25
• Refer: 4/7/25
• Failed: 5/5/25

Caption

To Require The Secretary Of The Department Of Education To Provide Information Regarding The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program To Certain Students.

Impact

If enacted, HB1999 would likely impact the way educational institutions communicate with students regarding federal assistance programs. By requiring proactive outreach, the bill addresses the information gap that may exist for qualifying students, aiming to improve their participation in SNAP. As a result, students who might otherwise remain unaware of their eligibility could receive vital support, contributing potentially to their academic success and overall well-being during their educational pursuits.

Summary

House Bill 1999 aims to enhance the accessibility of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for certain students in Arkansas. Specifically, the bill mandates the Secretary of the Department of Education to provide written and electronic information regarding potential eligibility for SNAP to students who submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and have a negative or zero student aid index. This initiative is designed to ensure that students who may be in need of nutritional support are informed of the assistance available to them under SNAP, thereby facilitating their access to basic needs.

Contention

While the bill primarily supports student welfare, discussions around its implementation may bring forth points of contention, particularly regarding the efficiency and effectiveness of such outreach efforts. Stakeholders could debate the adequacy of the communication strategies employed by the Department of Education and whether the additional responsibilities placed on the department will require further funding or resources. There may also be concerns from some quarters about the bureaucratic process involved in determining eligibility and the adequacy of SNAP benefits to cover the nutritional needs of students.