Senate panel creates commission to study options for SNAP purchases and incentives

Senate Bill 615 was amended in committee to create a commission charged with studying how SNAP benefits are spent and how incentives might be used to encourage healthier purchases. The commission’s membership includes legislative appointees, executive-branch representatives, recipients and stakeholders such as the New Hampshire Food Bank and the Double Up Food Bucks program.

Sponsor comments emphasized that the commission is meant to gather diverse perspectives—from recipients to retailers and program administrators—and to avoid creating new food insecurity while exploring ways to incentivize healthier purchases. One senator described the change as a way to bring all perspectives together before implementing statutory restrictions; another lamented that commissions sometimes delay action but nonetheless supported the amendment as a necessary step to craft workable policy.

The amendment passed with a 4–1 tally in committee. DHHS participation and the commission’s timeline were described during debate; the department was asked to provide staff support and to work with stakeholders on thresholds tied to poverty levels and exemptions for complicated cases.

The final committee action advances the amended bill to the Senate floor with the commission structure and reporting deadline included in the amendment language.