Committee examines data-sharing options to expand summer EBT to free-and-reduced students

The committee heard House Bill 17-27, which would authorize limited interagency data-sharing to deliver summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards to children eligible through free and reduced-price lunch programs.

Laura Milliken, executive director of New Hampshire Hunger Solutions, said the gap affects thousands of children: families eligible for summer EBT but not already known to the Department of Health and Human Services often do not get a mailed EBT card because DOE supplies only state student ID numbers to DHHS; local free-and-reduced applications that include addresses remain at the school or SAU level.

Melissa White of the Department of Education explained schools collect free-and-reduced application addresses locally and federal rules prohibit altering the standard federal form; she said DOE has conducted outreach and provided guidance but does not centralize addresses. Brian Clark of DHHS said if districts can securely transmit addresses for students qualified at the local level, DHHS could issue summer EBT cards; practical options discussed included opt-in supplemental forms or targeted district outreach rather than changing the federal free-and-reduced form.

Senators requested follow-up conversations among DOE, DHHS and stakeholders to explore operational fixes (electronic notices, optional opt-in sheets distributed with applications or local pick-up options) before statutory changes. Senator Reardon agreed to convene follow-up work with agencies and stakeholders.