OLR Bill Analysis

HB 6401 (as amended by House “A”)*

AN ACT CONCERNING THE FEDERAL SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

SUMMARY:

This bill makes the statutory changes necessary to reflect the change in the federal Food Stamp program's name to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The 2008 federal “Farm Bill” changed the program's name, effective October 1, 2008. This program provides federally funded food assistance to low-income individuals and families in the form of electronic benefits on a debit-type card. The Department of Social Services (DSS) administers Connecticut's program.

To avoid confusion, the bill changes the name of another DSS program. Currently, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is a state-funded program that provides funds for the purchase of high protein and other nutritionally beneficial supplemental foods for soup kitchens, food pantries, and emergency shelters. The bill renames this program the Supplemental Nutrition Commodities Assistance Program.

Finally, the bill removes obsolete language regarding sales tax for items purchased with Food Stamps. The law, unchanged by the bill, exempts these purchases from the state sales tax.

*House Amendment “A”restores references to the old Food Stamp and Aid to Families with Dependent Children programs, which could be needed were the state to pursue fraud and recoveries under either of those programs.

EFFECTIVE DATE: Upon passage

COMMITTEE ACTION

Human Services Committee

Joint Favorable