CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The West Virginia Senate has passed a bill that aims to expand the employment and training requirements for individuals receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
Senate Bill 249 proposes that all able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) aged 18 to 59 must participate in an employment and training (E&T) program to remain eligible for SNAP benefits.
This marks an increase from the current maximum age limit of 54.
The bill passed the Senate on Wednesday with a 32-2 vote, with the two Democrat members of the Senate being the only no votes.
Certain individuals would be exempt from this requirement, including:
- Those already complying with work requirements under other programs like the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Unemployment Compensation.
- Parents or caregivers responsible for a dependent child under six years old or an incapacitated person.
- Students enrolled at least part-time in recognized educational or training programs.
- Participants in drug addiction or alcohol treatment programs.
- Individuals working a minimum of 30 hours per week or earning weekly wages equal to 30 times the federal minimum hourly wage.
- Persons aged 16 to 18 who are not heads of household and are attending school or enrolled in a training program at least part-time.
- Those exempt under federal SNAP work requirements as specified in 7 CFR 273.7(b).
The Department of Human Services (DHS) may develop additional exemptions based on specific challenges faced by work registrants, provided these do not exceed 20% of the total number of work registrants from the previous year, after accounting for federal exemptions.
DHS is also tasked with providing each work registrant a comprehensive list of all available SNAP E&T services in their county or requested surrounding counties within 15 working days of registration.
If DHS determines that appropriate and available E&T components are lacking due to insufficient funding, affected individuals will be exempt from mandatory participation.
In such cases, DHS must report to the Legislature within 14 days, confirming the exhaustion of federal E&T funds and detailing efforts to secure additional resources.
The bill is now under consideration by the House Finance Committee.
