Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

Connecticut House Bill HB07166

Introduced
2/23/17  
Introduced
2/23/17  
Refer
2/23/17  

Caption

An Act Requiring An Annual Report On Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Benefits.

Impact

The bill not only serves to keep track of the number of individuals exceeding the SNAP participation limits but also aims to create a mechanism for addressing potential systemic issues in the state’s food assistance program. By requiring this annual report, state lawmakers can gain a clearer understanding of the reasons behind these extensions as well as the effectiveness of current regulations. This data-driven approach could lead to reforms that better assist those in need while balancing resource allocation and participation compliance.

Summary

House Bill 7166 is an act that mandates the Commissioner of Social Services to produce an annual report concerning the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Specifically, the bill requires the Commissioner to report on able-bodied adults without dependents who exceed the three-month participation limit for these benefits. The first report is due on February 1, 2018, and must continue annually thereafter. It aims to provide insights into the demographic and geographic characteristics of these individuals and outline recommendations for reducing the number that exceed this limit.

Contention

While the bill has clear objectives, there may be points of contention regarding its implementation. Critics might argue that such reporting could stigmatize vulnerable populations who are genuinely struggling for support and could be perceived as punitive. There may also be discussions on the adequacy of resources to ensure that the reasons for exceeding limits are suitably addressed within the state's programs. Overall, the conversation surrounding HB 7166 may reflect broader debates on welfare reform and the treatment of low-income families under state and federal programs.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

CT SB00364

An Act Concerning Supplemental Nutrition Assistance.

CT HB05003

An Act Concerning Child And Family Nutrition.

CT SB00396

An Act Implementing Task Force Recommendations For The Elderly Nutrition Program.

CT SB00265

An Act Requiring Annual Reports Concerning Waitlists For The Rental Assistance Program.

CT HB05369

An Act Concerning A Benefits Cliff Study.

CT SB00344

An Act Concerning Certain Federal Veterans' Benefits And Income Eligibility Determinations For Certain Public Assistance Programs.

CT HB05365

An Act Concerning Technical Revisions To Statutes Concerning Human Services.

CT SB00311

An Act Concerning The Connecticut Home-care Program For The Elderly.

CT HB05426

An Act Concerning Energy Assistance Studies And Fuel Vendor Reimbursement.

CT HB05402

An Act Excluding From Veterans' Income Calculations Certain Benefits Payments For Purposes Of Eligibility For Certain State And Municipal Programs.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.