Expand SNAP Access
Expand SNAP Access
Please submit testimony in support of a bill scheduled to increase the access previously incarcerated community members have to food through the authorization of pre-release applications for SNAP for inmates nearing release.
A joint committee public decision making will happen in the Senate Committees on Judiciary and Ways and Means on Thursday, April 8th at 10:15 am in Conference Room 211 (and virtually). Testimony is due Wednesday Apr. 7th. Late testimony is still accepted however, only written testimony will be accepted – no in-person/oral testimony.
If you have not done so already you will need to create an account with the Hawaiʻi State Legislature website to submit testimony.
Support HB 1518 HD1 SD1: Expand Pre-Release SNAP Access
Testimony Due: 4/7/26
What Does This Bill Do?
Establishes a pre-release Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) application process for inmates nearing release.
Why Is This Important? Sample Testimony:
Please support HB 1518 HD1 SD1. Food security is a critical component of financial stability and, food security, is an issue affecting one in three households in Hawaiʻi. Within the households on island, federal law permanently disqualifies household members convicted of a federal or state felony offense involving the possession, use, or distribution of a controlled substance from access to SNAP and TANF benefits.
To strengthen the financial security of formerly incarcerated individuals, the United States Department of Agriculture established a prisoner pre-release supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) administrative waiver, which allows states to process SNAP applications and conduct eligibility interviews for individuals who are about to be released from prison or jail.
The purpose of the waiver is to reduce recidivism by strengthening food security for individuals reentering the community after correctional confinement.
Through this bill, Hawaiʻi could join thirteen other states which have created a waiver to accept pre-release SNAP applications, according to the United States Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service.
Establishing this process would require the department of human services to seek a federal waiver to establish a pre-release SNAP application process for inmates nearing release. This would also allow all individuals convicted of an offense involving the possession, use, or distribution of a controlled substance to apply for SNAP benefits, regardless of treatment status.
