CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REP. NO. 195-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: S.B. No. 3245

S.D. 1

H.D. 1

C.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir and Madam:

Your Committee on Conference on the disagreeing vote of the Senate to the amendments proposed by the House of Representatives in S.B. No. 3245, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM,"

having met, and after full and free discussion, has agreed to recommend and does recommend to the respective Houses the final passage of this bill in an amended form.

The purpose of this measure is to, beginning July 1, 2028, require the Department of Human Services to:

(1) Adjust the minimum certification periods for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits households;

(2) Participate in the Elderly Simplified Application Project for SNAP; and

(3) Report to the Legislature.

Your Committee on Conference finds that SNAP is a critical lifeline for more than one hundred sixty thousand State residents; however, SNAP recipients in the State face frequent SNAP recertification requirements, with some needing to recertify every six months. Your Committee on Conference further finds that federal rules allow states to extend the SNAP certification period for households with seniors or people with disabilities. This measure simplifies SNAP enrollment and reduces administrative burdens to increase participation among eligible households and ensure more consistent access to essential food assistance.

Your Committee on Conference has amended this measure by:

(1) Inserting an effective date of July 1, 2028; and

(2) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity and consistency.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the managers of your Committee on Conference that is attached to this report, your Committee on Conference is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 3245, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Final Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 3245, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, C.D. 1.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the managers:

ON THE PART OF THE HOUSE

ON THE PART OF THE SENATE

____________________________ LISA MARTEN Co-Chair	____________________________ ANGUS L.K. MCKELVEY Chair
____________________________ DAISY HARTSFIELD Co-Chair	____________________________ DRU KANUHA Co-Chair