Youth senate approves bill allowing Basic Food (EBT) to be used for gasoline

The youth senate voted to pass Senate Bill 9.19, a proposal to allow Basic Food (the state’s SNAP/EBT program) recipients to use their existing benefits to purchase gasoline.

Proponent A. Lindy argued the change would “create greater access to employment, education, and health care by addressing transportation barriers,” and said the bill would not increase the dollar amount of benefits but only expand what recipients may spend their existing allotment on. "It will stay the exact same as it is," Lindy said, adding that individual recipients would decide how to allocate their monthly benefit.

Supporters during floor debate described the measure as a practical step to help people reach jobs or health care. Senator Audrey LaPlante urged colleagues to back the bill, saying it would help people "get to a job, and without a job, you cannot make money," and called the proposal a way to break a cycle that can trap households.

Opponents and questioners pressed the proponent on equity concerns — for example, whether people without vehicles would be disadvantaged — and on vendor certification and enforcement. Proponents responded that eligible vendors would be standard gas stations already permitted to participate and that the bill’s rules would mirror existing vendor eligibility processes.

The chamber approved the bill by placard vote; the presiding officer announced the bill passed unanimously. The bill’s supporters said next steps will include drafting implementing guidance and sharing details about vendor enrollment and program rules with appropriate agencies.