HF 1146

Introduction - 94th Legislature (2025 - 2026)

Posted on 03/03/2025 06:08 p.m.

A bill for an act
relating to food support; establishing the Minnesota SNAP step up for seniors
program; appropriating money; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota
Statutes, chapter 142F.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

new text begin [142F.121] MINNESOTA SNAP STEP UP FOR SENIORS PROGRAM.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Program established. new text end

new text begin The commissioner of children, youth, and families
shall establish the Minnesota SNAP step up for seniors program to supplement the minimum
monthly benefit amount for eligible seniors who receive federal Supplemental Nutrition
Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin (a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have the
meanings given.
new text end

new text begin (b) "Eligible senior" means an individual age 55 or older.
new text end

new text begin (c) "Minimum monthly benefit amount" means $50.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Supplemental benefit. new text end

new text begin Under this program, if a household includes an eligible
senior and receives a federally funded SNAP benefit of less than the minimum monthly
benefit amount, the state shall provide a supplement to increase the total benefit to at least
the minimum monthly benefit amount. Households with an eligible senior must receive the
supplemental benefit under this section in addition to the federal SNAP benefit.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Prohibition on counting supplemental benefit as income. new text end

new text begin The benefit amount
received by an eligible senior or household under this section is not counted as income for
any program that does not count SNAP benefits as income.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Program administration. new text end

new text begin (a) The program under this section is subject to the
same federal and state regulations, rules, and procedures for implementing the federal SNAP
as much as possible, including but not limited to distributing the program benefit amount
through the SNAP electronic benefit transfer system.
new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner may increase the minimum monthly benefit amount established
in this section as deemed appropriate and subject to state appropriations and federal funding.
new text end

new text begin (c) If federal funds become available for the purpose of this section, the commissioner
shall utilize the federal funds as the primary source for issuing the monthly supplemental
benefit before any state funds are used.
new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin FEDERAL WAIVER OR APPROVAL; MINNESOTA SNAP STEP UP FOR
SENIORS PROGRAM.
new text end

new text begin The commissioner of human services shall apply to the United States Department of
Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service for any necessary waivers or approvals to implement
the provisions of Minnesota Statutes, section 142F.121.
new text end

Sec. 3. new text begin APPROPRIATION; MINNESOTA SNAP STEP UP FOR SENIORS
PROGRAM.
new text end

new text begin $....... in fiscal year 2026 and $....... in fiscal year 2027 are appropriated from the general
fund to the commissioner of children, youth, and families for the Minnesota SNAP step up
for seniors program under Minnesota Statutes, section 142F.121.
new text end