Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Dhhs Snap 26 90 topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee adopts SNAP certification change to match federal guidance
Summary
The committee approved rule 26-90 to align the SNAP "elderly" certification provision with federal guidance (changing the age threshold to 65), implementing a pilot project authorized by 2024 legislation and responding to a federal letter requiring the change.
The committee adopted rule 26-90, which sets certification periods for a pilot demonstration project that affects certain Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) households. Staff told the committee the rule previously used 65 in its proposal although federal regulation still defines "elderly" as 60; federal guidance sent to the program requires the demonstration to apply to people aged 65 and older. The pilot was authorized by Senate Bill 499 (2024).
Nicole Valenzola, rules coordinator for the Department of Health and Human Services, and Brian Clark, counsel for the Division of Economic Stability, said the federal Food and Nutrition Administration had instructed that the 36‑month certification period could not apply to people aged 60‑64 and that the agency must change its rule text to 65+. Committee members asked clarifying questions about whether households with 60‑64 year‑olds who are disabled could still participate; DHHS counsel confirmed disabled individuals may qualify under other criteria.
Given the federal directive and the agency explanation, the committee moved to approve the rule; members voted in favor and the rule was adopted.
