Division 3 votes ITL on SNAP administration funding after debate over error‑rate exposure

Finance - Division III considered Senate Bill 603 on April 20, which addresses funding for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) administrative costs. The committee discussed both a proposed appropriation and the broader fiscal risks tied to federal payment‑error thresholds.

Representative Stringham moved Amendment 1515H to add a $4.4 million appropriation to cover expected losses of federal SNAP administrative reimbursement. Proponents said adding that money would preserve program administration and increase transparency. Opponents raised concerns about one‑time money, budget flexibility and program accountability.

Nathan White of the Department of Health and Human Services explained the technical risk: recent federal changes tie penalties to the state’s SNAP payment error rate. "New Hampshire last federal fiscal year 24 we were 7.57," White said, and he described the federal penalty schedule (above 6% can trigger a 5% charge on direct benefits, higher thresholds carry larger penalties). He also explained methodological limits in measurement (small monthly sample sizes) and staff losses that reduced administrative capacity.

Following debate the committee voted down Amendment 1515H (vote recorded as 4 yays, 6 nays) and later voted to recommend Senate Bill 603 'Inexpedient to Legislate' (ITL) by a 6–4 margin. Supporters of ITL argued the bill would not change agency practice absent additional appropriations and that fiscal exposure should be handled via transfers and targeted departmental actions; opponents argued the House should appropriate funds to ensure the program remains adequately administered.

What happens next: The ITL recommendation will go to full Finance on April 27; members who oppose ITL may prepare minority reports.