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Committee approves raising and indexing SNAP asset limit to ease 'cliff' for low‑income households
Summary
House Bill 1915 increases Arkansas' Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) asset limit, indexes it for inflation, and makes the change ongoing rather than temporary. Supporters said the change helps families build savings; opponents warned of increased dependency and fiscal cost. The committee approved the bill.
Representative John Eubanks presented House Bill 1915 to increase and index the state's SNAP asset limit and to make that change a continuing policy rather than a temporary waiver. The bill would raise the asset cap (sponsors discussed raising to $6,000) and tie it to inflation or an indexing factor to prevent erosion over time.
Supporters argued the change reduces hunger and enables families to save for emergencies without losing access to benefits. Kristin Harper of Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families said Arkansas still maintains a low asset limit that hinders families’ ability to hold savings: "For Arkansas, again, with our asset limit of $3,000 ... 3,000 is not enough for even 1 month of expenses. Increasing the SNAP asset limit to 6,000 across the board will help decrease hunger in our state while also allowing families to build self sufficiency." Multiple private citizens testified about the difficulty of applying for benefits under current rules and the delays in eligibility determination.
Opponents, including Nick Saley of FGA Action, argued the bill would expand long‑term dependency and permanently broaden eligibility beyond temporary pandemic-era measures. Saley said the bill risks trapping more people in benefit rolls and growing federal/state costs.
Department of Human Services Secretary Christy Putnam testified DHS remained opposed, saying DHS preferred to implement a recent administrative rule change first (S.P. 306) and monitor its effects; Putnam and agency witnesses noted the department estimated an $87,000 administrative fiscal impact for the proposed statutory change and said estimates of caseload change vary. Representative Eubanks and other supporters said the change would provide an off‑ramp for families and reduce the "cliff" that can deter work or savings.
After public testimony and questions, including multiple personal accounts, the committee voted and the chair announced the motion carried: "Ayes have it." The transcript records several members speaking in favor and personal stories from constituents who had waited months for approval; the committee passed the bill.
Why it matters: the change alters eligibility mechanics for a core safety‑net program, affecting tens of thousands of low‑income Arkansans and carrying modest administrative costs.
Provenance evidence (selected):
"I'm with Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families... Increasing the SNAP asset limit to 6,000 across the board will help decrease hunger in our state." — Kristin Harper (testimony)
"This bill permanently expands eligibility by raising the asset limit ... I would urge you to oppose this broad and permanent expansion in food stamp eligibility." — Nick Saley, FGA Action (opposition)
Ending: The committee approved HB 1915 after debate and personal testimony; the bill proceeds with committee endorsement.
