SB963Introduced in the Senate
Relating To The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Introduced by Joy San Buenaventura, District 2
What does this bill do?
Plain-English breakdown
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Official description
Requires the Department of Human Services to: (1) Prorate or exclude certain income from household members who are ineligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in determining SNAP household eligibility and benefit levels; (2) Establish a standardized medical expense deduction option for elderly or disabled household members who incur medical expenses above the federal minimum threshold; (3) Establish a pre-release SNAP application process for individuals who are incarcerated and scheduled for release; and submit annual reports to the Legislature. Specifies that the restriction under federal law prohibiting individuals convicted of certain drug-related felonies from receiving SNAP benefits and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits does not apply in Hawaii. Repeals treatment compliance requirements for TANF benefits. Effective 12/31/2050. (SD1)
Where it stands
Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
December 8, 2025
How did lawmakers vote?
SenateStage: Senate Health and Human Services: Passed, With Amendments · January 29, 2025
5
Yes
0
No
0
Absent or Not Voting
5 senators recorded in this Senate vote. Colors show vote categories only, not whether a vote was good or bad.
What do people think?
Citizen Voice
How would you vote on this bill?
An unofficial public opinion poll. It does not affect the bill or the official vote.
One response per device. Location is self-reported and not verified. Results are informal and not a scientific survey.
See how each senator voted
| Senator | District | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| Joy San Buenaventura | 2 | Yes |
| Troy Hashimoto | 5 | Yes |
| Henry Aquino | 19 | Yes |
| Kurt Fevella | 20 | Yes |
| Jarrett Keohokalole | 24 | Yes |
Bill history
Introduced.
Passed First Reading.
Referred to HHS, WAM.
The committee(s) on HHS has scheduled a public hearing on 01-29-25 1:00PM; Conference Room 225 & Videoconference.
The committee(s) on HHS recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in HHS were as follows: 5 Aye(s): Senator(s) San Buenaventura, Aquino, Hashimoto, Keohokalole, Fevella; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none.
Reported from HHS (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 644) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to WAM.
Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to WAM.
Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
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