DHHS warns tougher SNAP verification in HB 1797 could raise error rates; advocates urge caution Department of Health and Human Services officials told the Senate committee that HB 1797's proposed lottery and out-of-state purchase cross-matches, shorter certification periods and mandatory SAVE checks would increase administrative costs and risk higher SNAP payment error rates; hunger and legal-aid groups urged the committee to avoid cutting categorical eligibility.

New Hampshire's proposed HB 1797 could tighten SNAP rules, but advocates warn it might cut off food assistance for thousands—are the risks worth it?

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#NH #CitizenPortal #ProgramIntegrity #FoodSecurity #AdministrativeBurden #NewHampshireSNAP

House Finance Division III votes 6‑3 to recommend ITL on SNAP supplemental appropriation After hearing DHHS staff on SNAP administrative costs and federal changes that raise the state’s potential cost‑share tied to error rates, House Finance Division III voted 6‑3 to recommend ITL (inexpedient to legislate) on House Bill 17‑50 and will send the item to full Finance at 2:30 p.m.

House Finance Division III just voted 6-3 to recommend against funding a crucial SNAP administrative bill, raising concerns about future costs and staffing shortages.

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#NH #EconomicStability #CitizenPortal #FoodSecurity #GovernmentAccountability #NewHampshireSNAP

Committee studies SNAP 'Healthy Choice' waiver; DHHS warns of implementation costs and retailer burden DHHS outlined two implementation paths for a Healthy Choice SNAP waiver — retailer‑level coding or EBT‑vendor tracking — and estimated state costs up to about $2.6 million for FY29 plus system changes and federal reporting. Retailers and faith groups cautioned against administrative burden and reduced dignity for recipients.

New Hampshire is considering a controversial SNAP waiver that could significantly change what low-income families can buy, sparking concerns over costs and dignity.

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#NH #CitizenPortal #FoodSecurity #CommunityDignity #EconomicAccess #NewHampshireSNAP

Finance committee divided over restoring SNAP administrative funds after federal changes; ITL motion passes Members debated House Bill 17 50, which would restore state funding for SNAP administrative costs following a federal shift in HR1; proponents warned that failing to fund could lead to higher future penalties, opponents cited unused emergency funds and argued benefits would not be affected immediately. The committee voted to make the bill inexpedient to legislate.

In a heated debate, New Hampshire's Finance Committee voted against restoring crucial SNAP funding, raising concerns about the future costs of federal changes.

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#NH #AdministrativeCosts #CitizenPortal #BudgetaryImpact #NewHampshireSNAP #FederalPolicy

Finance panel reviews SNAP administrative shortfall after federal match change; DHHS projects several million dollar impact Committee heard that HR1 will change the administrative‑cost match for SNAP, shifting costs so the state bears roughly 75% of administrative costs (25% federal) from Oct. 1, 2026. DHHS estimates a partial FY27 state impact of about $4.4 million and a full‑year impact of roughly $5.9–6.0 million; department officials said benefits themselves would not be cut but administrative shortfalls will require budget adjustments.

New changes to SNAP funding could shift administrative costs to the state, potentially impacting millions in the budget by 2026!

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Committee hears DHHS request to cover SNAP administrative shortfall after federal changes HB 17-50 would provide a supplemental appropriation to cover increased state administrative costs for SNAP after federal changes shift the state/federal split to 75/25. DHHS said about 75,000 individuals in NH receive SNAP and that a $4.4M gap for SFY27 may exist; advocates warned failing to fund administration risks penalties, program disruption and local food‑system strain.

New Hampshire faces a potential $4.4 million shortfall in SNAP funding, raising concerns about food insecurity and program disruptions.

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#NH #EconomicStability #PublicHealth #CitizenPortal #FoodSecurity #NewHampshireSNAP

Fiscal Committee approves $2 million to fund mobile pantries for SNAP recipients during federal shutdown The Fiscal Committee approved using $2 million of state funds to contract with the New Hampshire Food Bank to expand mobile food pantry service targeted to SNAP households after federal SNAP funds were not made available for Nov. 1. Department officials said the contract would be cost-reimbursement, could deploy in about one week after approval, be

New Hampshire is stepping up with a $2 million plan to expand mobile food pantries for SNAP recipients as federal benefits face uncertainty amid a shutdown.

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#NH #CitizenPortal #HungerRelief #CommunitySupport #FoodSecurity #NewHampshireSNAP