Senate approves amended bill clarifying state SNAP eligibility for certain immigration statuses

The Senate voted to accept the majority ought-to-pass as amended report for LD 2,051, a bill that clarifies which immigration statuses qualify individuals for Maine’s state SNAP program.

Sen. Inggerson (York), sponsor of the measure, told the Senate the bill codifies which lawfully present statuses qualify a person for state SNAP benefits and that the amendment is narrowly tailored to respond to recent federal changes. “By making small, focused changes that don't expand program eligibility, the amendment to LD 2,051 responds to HR 1 and takes proactive steps to protect against future threats to SNAP access,” Sen. Inggerson said.

Senators voting in favor argued the measure protects food assistance access for vulnerable residents and makes program administration clearer. The chair announced a roll-call result of 20 senators in favor and 12 opposed; the majority ought-to-pass as amended report prevailed and the bill received its first reading.

Next steps: The bill was given first reading as printed and will proceed through the legislative process with the committee amendments adopted.