H0730 Implement New Verification Rules For SNAP Recipients

OPPOSE - This bill imposes new verification requirements intended to prevent non-citizens or those without legal status in the United States from obtaining SNAP benefits. 

This law, effective July 1, 2026, creates new quarterly status verification requirements for all SNAP recipients and all members of their households.  Every three months, the state must verify the identity of all members of recipient households through the federal SAVE (systematic alien verification for entitlements) program. If verification is unsuccessful individuals must provide proof of status using a passport, birth certificate, or other acceptable documentation.  This verification requirement extends to all members of the applicant’s household, even those who are not applying for benefits for themselves.  At the same time, income and financial resources of all members of the applicant’s household, regardless of status, will be considered in approving or denying the applicant’s eligibility. 

These new requirements create hurdles both for the state and for those eligible for SNAP benefits.  The state must bear the expenses of conducting the quarterly verifications.  And, because the databases are not perfect, some people will be inappropriately flagged for further investigation.  For some of those families, the difficulties in producing the appropriate documentation, even for those legally in the United States, will result in lost benefits.  Moreover, because the state will be inquiring into the status of every member of the household, even those not applying for benefits, families will have to choose between adequate nutrition and protecting their loved ones from arrest and deportation. We oppose this legislation as adding unnecessary administrative burdens to a program that is already effectively managed.

This legislation was signed into law on April 2, 2026.