House Engrossed

nutrition assistance; transition pilot program

State of Arizona

House of Representatives

Fifty-sixth Legislature

First Regular Session

2023

HOUSE BILL 2499

An Act

establishing the supplemental nutrition assistance transition pilot program.

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Arizona:

Section 1. Supplemental nutrition assistance transition pilot program; reporting requirements; funding; delayed repeal

A. Within sixty days after the effective date of this section, the department of economic security shall develop a pilot program that allows nutrition assistance to individuals and families who no longer qualify for the supplemental nutrition assistance program and who are transitioning off receiving supplemental assistance.

B. The department of economic security shall establish criteria for receiving benefits under this pilot program that include the following:

1. The income threshold, over the federal poverty guideline requirements for supplemental nutrition assistance, qualifies an individual or family to receive nutrition assistance.

2. The length of time an individual or family has received supplemental nutrition assistance before transitioning off of the supplemental nutrition assistance program.

3. A process to determine those individuals and families who are currently receiving supplemental nutrition assistance benefits and who will need additional benefits, and for what period of time, to transition off of the supplemental nutrition assistance program.

C. On or before June 1, 2024, June 1, 2025 and June 1, 2026, the department of economic security shall report on the progress of the pilot program and whether transition funding is needed.  The report shall be provided to the governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, the president of the senate and the chairpersons of the health and human services committees of the house of representatives and the senate.

D. The department of economic security shall petition the federal government for federal grants or waivers to implement this pilot program.  The department may use legislative appropriations, private donations, grants and federal monies to implement, support, promote and maintain the program. 

E. This section is repealed from and after December 31, 2026.