County staff warn of uncertain SNAP and Older Americans Act allocations as session nears end

Adams County Health & Human Services staff updated the committee on pending state legislation affecting SNAP and on federal Older Americans Act funding allocations.

Staff said the assembly had passed the bill referenced in the meeting (Assembly Bill 387) but the measure had not been heard in the Senate. The staff member cautioned that changes made in the Assembly — including provisions governing purchases of certain foods — might change further in the Senate and that the final action and the governor's response remained uncertain. Staff emphasized the potential for significant financial impacts to counties if the legislation or its implementation changes funding flows.

Separately, staff said the county had received notification on Feb. 5 that the federal allocation figures had been provided to the state, but the state had not signed contracts with counties for 2026. Until the state signs contracts, counties continue to operate at 2025 program levels. Staff said they will evaluate any contract once received and report back to the committee if allocation changes are significant.

Committee members did not take action at the meeting; staff recommended awaiting the state contract and will consult county administration if allocations deviate markedly from 2025 levels.