Hawaii · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
SB 963: RELATING TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
SB 963 is a bill introduced in the Hawaii Senate on January 17, 2025. According to its official title, it concerns: RELATING TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. Primary sponsor: Joy San Buenaventura (Democratic), AQUINO. Most recent recorded action (December 8, 2025): Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
Requires the Department of Human Services to: (1) Prorate or exclude certain income from household members who are ineligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in determining SNAP household eligibility and benefit levels; (2) Establish a standardized medical expense deduction option for elderly or disabled household members who incur medical expenses above the federal minimum threshold; (3) Establish a pre-release SNAP application process for individuals who are incarcerated and scheduled for release; and submit annual reports to the Legislature. Specifies that the restriction under federal law prohibiting individuals convicted of certain drug-related felonies from receiving SNAP benefits and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits does not apply in Hawaii. Repeals treatment compliance requirements for TANF benefits. Effective 12/31/2050. (SD1)
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 1
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joy San Buenaventura | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 2 |
| AQUINO | Primary sponsor | Not applicable (committee) | — | — |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
- Reported from HHS (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 644) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to WAM.
- Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to WAM.
- The committee(s) on HHS recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in HHS were as follows: 5 Aye(s): Senator(s) San Buenaventura, Aquino, Hashimoto, Keohokalole, Fevella; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none.
- The committee(s) on HHS has scheduled a public hearing on 01-29-25 1:00PM; Conference Room 225 & Videoconference.
- Referred to HHS, WAM.
- Passed First Reading.
- Introduced.