MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2015 Regular Session

To: Public Health and Human Services

By: Representative DeBar

House Bill 901

AN ACT TO IMPOSE CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS ON THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES IN ADMINISTERING THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) IN MISSISSIPPI; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

     SECTION 1.  In administering the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) in Mississippi, the Department of Human Services shall be subject to the following restrictions:

          (a)  The department shall not seek, apply for, accept or renew any waiver of the work requirements established for SNAP recipients under 7 USC Section 2015(o).

          (b)  The department shall not grant categorical eligibility for SNAP benefits under 7 USC Section 2014(a) for any noncash, in-kind or other benefit unless expressly required by federal law.

          (c)  The department shall not increase the gross income standards of eligibility for SNAP benefits above the standards specified in 7 USC Section 2014(c) unless expressly required by federal law, and shall not grant categorical eligibility exempting households from the gross income standards requirements for any noncash, in-kind or other benefit unless expressly required by federal law.

          (d)  The department shall not increase the financial resource limit standards of eligibility for SNAP benefits above the standards specified in 7 USC Section 2014(g)(1) unless expressly required by federal law, and shall not grant categorical eligibility exempting households from the financial resource limits for any noncash, in-kind or other benefit unless expressly required by federal law.

     SECTION 2.  This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2015.