Bills Related to Food Security
The recent Missouri legislative spring break marked the midpoint of the legislative session. Of particular interest to our work at Operation Food Search are three bills in the House of Representatives that are related to food security:
1. House Bill (HB) 1777
HN 1777 is a collection of criminal justice bills that includes language that would allow certain drug offenders access to SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). It was voted out of committee and has even received debate time on the House Floor. It needs one more vote in the House before it can move onto the Senate. Hopefully, this legislation will continue moving after spring break, as meeting basic needs is crucial to those trying to reenter society.
2. House Bill (HB) 1730
HB 1730 increases the food pantry tax credit, and it has been voted out of committee. It still needs one more committee vote before it can be brought up on the House floor.
3. Senate Bill (SB) 973
SB 973 would establish a restaurant meals program for seniors, people experiencing homelessness and people with disabilities as part of SNAP. This bill was voted out of committee in the Senate, but it has not been brought up for floor debate.
Though these bills have had hearings, none has been voted out of either the House or the Senate. Conventional wisdom suggests that bills need to be voted out of one chamber before spring break to have a chance at passing this session.
What is Going on with Summer EBT?
OFS is watching the budget and advocating for funding for Summer EBT. The funding is currently in the budget for Summer 2024 and Summer 2025.
We will continue monitoring the process and advocating for the funds to be allocated now that Missouri has opted into the program with 35 other states who will depend on their legislatures to include the funds in their budgets.
