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Committee advances SB 64 asking DHS to seek waiver so dependent care tax credit does not affect SNAP eligibility
Summary
SB 64 directs the Department of Human Services to request a USDA waiver to prevent monthly advance payments of the dependent care tax credit from affecting SNAP eligibility. The committee approved sending the bill to the floor with a due-pass recommendation and rescinded the subsequent referral to Ways and Means.
Senate Bill 64, discussed in a Human Services committee work session on Feb. 4, would direct the Department of Human Services to request a waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture so monthly advance payments of the dependent care tax credit would not factor into Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligibility determinations.
Committee staff said the Legislative Fiscal Office indicated no fiscal impact and no revenue impact. Vice Chair Lanthickam moved the bill to the floor with a due-pass recommendation and asked that the committee rescind the subsequent referral to the Joint Committee on Ways and Means. Committee members praised the concept and observed prior federal denials on similar requests but voted to advance the bill. The roll call recorded aye votes from Senators Nash, Brunetzky, Reynolds, Vice Chair Luntcomb and another senator; the chair confirmed the motion passed and the bill will go to the floor.
Committee members discussed the policy's intent to avoid penalizing low-income families by making a periodic tax credit payment that could otherwise reduce SNAP eligibility and noted a history of similar waiver requests being denied by the federal government.
