Date posted:
Attachment(s):
10-144 C.M.R. Chapter 301 - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Rules;
Alpha Index, Table of Contents, Sections 1, 111-2, 222-5, 222-6, 444-1, 444-4, 444-8, 555-3, and 999-1
SNAP Rule #227 - Noncitizen Language
PRINCIPAL REASON(S) OR PURPOSE FOR PROPOSING THIS RULE: The purpose of this proposed rule is to clarify program requirements in Sections 1, 111-2, 222-5, 222-6, 444-1, 444-4, 444-8, 555-3 for SNAP applicants and recipients as well as Department staff pertaining to citizenship and noncitizen eligibility consistent with 7 C.F.R. § 273.2(f)(ii). Throughout the proposed rule’s open sections and Table of Contents “Noncitizens” replaces “aliens.” The rulemaking proposes continued non-substantive changes to improve the readability and inclusivity of the manual. In addition, the proposed rule would remove Code of Federal Register (C.F.R.) citations in the headers of open sections as these citations are unnecessary and are identified within the sections as applicable.
Proposed changes to the current rule would update the open sections consistent with the recent change of the terms “Food Supplement” and “Food Supplement Program” to “Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program” and by extension, their associated abbreviations to “SNAP” or other substitutable terms. The proposed changes are consistent with the terminology used in federal law and regulation as well as signage and other materials seen throughout the state and nation. Further, P.L. 2021 c. 398 Part OO made this change throughout Maine’s revised statutes. These changes would be reflected in all uses of the terms and abbreviations in sections included in this rulemaking (unless they refer only to a time prior to the statutory change).
The proposed rule changes would update this manual’s open sections to improve readability and inclusivity. (E.g. “Substance Abuse Treatment Centers” would be replaced with “Centers for the treatment of substance use disorders.”) The proposed rule’s open sections would also convert gender specific terms to gender neutral terms.
Consistent with 7 C.F.R. § 273.4(b)(1), Section 1 would be updated based on the Interagency Notice providing guidance for compliance with PRWORA section 404 published on September 28, 2000. In addition, Section 1, 5(A) proposes clarifying Nondiscrimination language consistent with 7 C.F.R. § 272.6(a) and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Further, Section 1 would update 5(B) consistent with 7 C.F.R. Part 15 and provide clarification as to how to file a complaint with the USDA.
The proposed rule changes provide clarification for existing program eligibility requirements for U.S. citizens and noncitizens with significant updates to Section 111-2. In addition, consistent with 7 C.F.R. § 273.2(f)(1)(ii)(A) and 42 U.S.C. 1320b-7 the proposed rule changes would clarify verification processes and application processing timeframes.
Consistent with 7 C.F.R. § 273.4(c)(3)(iv) Section 444-1 proposed updates which clarify Households with Special Circumstances and those with sponsors.
The proposed rule changes include the definition of Alien which directs readers to the definition of Noncitizen and Sponsored Alien which would be changed to Sponsored Noncitizens.
Eligibility for citizens of Compact of Free Association nations would be added consistent with the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 (P.L. 118-42).
PUBLIC HEARING: Monday, February 24, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. in room Maine A/B at 109 Capitol St. Augusta ME 04330
The Department requests that any interested party requiring special arrangements to attend the hearing contact the agency person listed above before Tuesday, February 18, 2025.
COMMENT DEADLINE: Friday, March 7, 2025. at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
Written public comments may be submitted via the link at https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/about/rulemaking
AGENCY CONTACT PERSON:
Michael Downs, Senior Program Manager - SNAP
Department of Health and Human Services
Office for Family Independence
109 Capitol Street
Augusta, ME 04330-6841
Phone: (207) 592-4850/Fax: (207) 287-3455
TT Users Call Maine Relay – 711
Proposed
Office: Office for Family Independence
Routine technical
Email: Michael.E.Downs@maine.gov
Public hearing: -
Meeting location:
109 Capitol Street, Augusta, ME 04330 Room Maine A/B
Comment deadline:
On