HI
Hawaii Senate Bill SB1418

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SB1418

Introduced
1/23/25  
Refer
1/27/25  
Report Pass
2/12/25  

Caption

Making An Emergency Appropriation To The Department Of Human Services.

Impact

The bill responds to a penalty of nearly $11 million levied by the United States Department of Agriculture for the state's failure to maintain the SNAP payment error rate below the national average over two consecutive federal fiscal years. By appropriating this emergency funding, the state anticipates mitigating these penalties through investments in program improvements. This could potentially alleviate the financial burden on the state and improve service delivery to eligible households, ensuring more efficient processing of benefits and reducing the likelihood of future fines.

Summary

SB1418 is a proposed legislative measure aimed at making an emergency appropriation of $5,467,164 to the Department of Human Services in Hawaii. This funding is earmarked to support the essential modifications needed for the ongoing development of a new eligibility system for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The bill arises in the context of increased payment error rates experienced in Hawaii due to the modifications in program requirements during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this bill is to enable the state to improve its performance in administering SNAP, thereby reducing future penalties from the federal government.

Sentiment

Broadly, the sentiment surrounding SB1418 appears to be supportive among those who understand the necessity of rectifying the issues faced within the SNAP administration. Advocates deem the bill as crucial for maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of welfare assistance programs in Hawaii, especially following the disruptions caused by the pandemic. While there may be legislative apprehensions regarding additional spending, the potential for long-term savings through improved processing rates is a point of encouragement among supporters.

Contention

One notable point of contention is the exceedance of the general fund expenditure ceiling for fiscal year 2024-2025 due to this appropriation. Critics may argue this further strains the state’s budget, despite the emergency nature of the funding. Concerns also exist over whether the investment will yield effective results in reducing the payment error rate, as failure to meet federal standards could lead to increased penalties for the state moving forward. This tension over immediate financial implications versus long-term program efficacy places SB1418 within a complex legislative dialogue.

Latest SB1418 Activity

Companion Bills

HI HB1099

Same As Making An Emergency Appropriation To The Department Of Human Services.

Similar Bills

HI HB1099

Making An Emergency Appropriation To The Department Of Human Services.

IA SSB3074

A bill for an act creating a grocer reinvestment fund and program under the purview of the economic development authority, and making appropriations.

IA HF2176

A bill for an act creating a grocer reinvestment fund and program under the purview of the economic development authority, modifying the local food and farm program, and making appropriations.(See HF 2599.)

TX HB4586

Relating to making supplemental appropriations and reductions in appropriations and giving direction and adjustment authority and prescribing limitations regarding appropriations.

IA HF550

A bill for an act creating a grocer reinvestment program, a local produce processing grant program, and a grocer reinvestment and local food processing fund under the purview of the economic development authority, modifying the local food and farm program, and making appropriations.(Formerly HF 59; See HF 1032.)

IA HF2599

A bill for an act creating a grocer reinvestment program, a local produce processing grant program, and a grocer reinvestment and local food processing fund under the purview of the economic development authority, modifying the local food and farm program, and making appropriations.(Formerly HF 2176.)

IA HF59

A bill for an act creating a grocer reinvestment program, a local produce processing grant program, and a grocer reinvestment and local food processing fund under the purview of the economic development authority, modifying the local food and farm program, and making appropriations.(See HF 550, HF 1032.)

IA SSB1054

A bill for an act creating a grocer reinvestment program, a local produce processing grant program, and a grocer reinvestment and local food processing fund under the purview of the economic development authority, modifying the local food and farm program, and making appropriations.