SB3277Introduced in the Senate
SNAP-FRESH PROGRAM BENEFITS
Introduced by Elgie Sims, District 17
What does this bill do?
Plain-English breakdown
Writing a plain-English summary of this bill… this can take a few seconds the first time.
Official description
Amends the Administration Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Requires the Department of Human Services to, subject to available funding, establish a Families Receiving Emergency Support for Hunger (FRESH) Program to provide FRESH benefits to households subject to termination of the household's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, or a reduction in the household's monthly SNAP benefit allotment, if the termination or reduction in SNAP benefits occurred as a result of one or more members of the household failing to meet federal SNAP work requirements. Provides that, for eligible households whose SNAP benefits were reduced or terminated, FRESH benefits shall be provided as a one-time lump sum payment distributed via an Electronic Benefits Transfer card. Requires the Department to make FRESH program applications available online and at local Family and Community Resource Centers immediately upon the first of the month following the effective date of the amendatory Act. Provides that an application for FRESH benefits shall not be deemed an application for any other public aid provided under the Code. Requires the Department to provide within a specified time frame FRESH benefits to households' that experience a reduction or termination of SNAP benefits prior to or after the first month following the effective date of the amendatory Act, if certain application submission deadlines are met. Requires the Department to publish monthly data reports on the FRESH program and to include such data in the Department's annual report to the General Assembly. Prohibits the Department and local governmental units from considering a household's receipt of FRESH benefits when determining the household's eligibility for other assistance provided under the Code. Provides that the provisions of the amendatory Act are inoperative on and after January 1, 2028. Effective immediately.
Where it stands
Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments
May 22, 2026
How did lawmakers vote?
No recorded vote is available for this bill yet.
Bill history
Filed with Secretary by Sen. Elgie R. Sims, Jr.
First Reading
Referred to Assignments
Assigned to Appropriations- Health and Human Services
Added as Chief Co-Sponsor Sen. Graciela Guzmán
Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. David Koehler
Added as Chief Co-Sponsor Sen. Christopher Belt
Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Mattie Hunter
Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Adriane L. Johnson
Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Bill Cunningham
Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Paul Faraci
Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Mike Simmons
Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Michael W. Halpin
Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Laura Fine
Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Filed with Secretary by Sen. Elgie R. Sims, Jr.
Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Referred to Assignments
Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Assignments Refers to Appropriations- Health and Human Services
Rule 2-10 Committee Deadline Established As April 24, 2026
Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Mary Edly-Allen
Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Mark L. Walker
Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Karina Villa
Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Sara Feigenholtz
Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Napoleon Harris III
Rule 2-10 Committee/3rd Reading Deadline Established As May 15, 2026
Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Patrick J. Joyce
Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Willie Preston
Rule 2-10 Committee/3rd Reading Deadline Established As May 22, 2026
Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Mike Porfirio
Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments
Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments
Verify the information
Our commitment to neutrality
We provide factual information only. We never tell you which politicians or bills to support, and we do not rank, score, or endorse anyone.