Date posted:
Attachment(s):
10-144 C.M.R. Chapter 301; Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Rules;
Sections 111-2 and 444-4
SNAP Rule #241P - Noncitizen Updates
Principal Reason(s) or Purpose for Proposing this Rule [see 5 M.R.S. § 8057-A(1)(A)]: The Department proposes routine technical changes to 10-144 C.M.R. Ch. 301; Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Program Rules to ensure compliance with P.L. 119-21 § 10108 signed into law and effective on July 4, 2025.
The proposed rule would update Section 111-2, eliminating eligibility for Federal SNAP for some noncitizen groups and aligning state-funded SNAP with these changes. In addition, the proposed rule revises the treatment of income and deductions for noncitizens who are ineligible for Federal SNAP, reducing the amount of income and deductions that are counted in eligibility determinations.
Is Material Incorporated by Reference into the Rule [see 5 M.R.S. § 8056(2-A)]? No
Analysis and Expected Operation of the Rule [see 5 M.R.S. § 8057-A(1)(B) & (D)]: The proposed rule changes are intended to ensure consistency with P.L. 119-21 § 10108 regarding those noncitizens no longer eligible for Federal SNAP. Adjustments to the treatment of income and deductions are expected to support higher average benefits.
Brief Summary of Relevant Information Considered During Development of the Rule (including up to 3 primary sources relied upon)[see 5 M.R.S. §§ 8057-A(1)(E) & 8063-B]:
The Department considered P.L. 119-21, § 10108 of the OBBB, signed into law on July 4, 2025. In addition, October 31, 2025 U.S.D.A.- F.N.S. Alien SNAP Eligibility guidance, and 22 M.R.S. § 3104-A were considered during the development of this rule.
Estimated Fiscal Impact of the Rule [see 5 M.R.S. § 8057-A(1)(C)]: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides a benefit to enhance the food purchasing capacity for eligible families. The proposed changes, required by P.L. 119-21 § 10108, are anticipated to reduce the number of Maine residents eligible for federally-funded SNAP by 1,839, reducing the influx of federal-SNAP dollars by $400,902.00 per month or $4,810,824 per year. 1,191 of those individuals would retain state-funded SNAP benefits at a cost of $259,638.00 per month or $2,856,018 per year, based on existing statute and aligning the state-funded rules with the federal changes. The additional state-funded SNAP costs are expected to be absorbed within the existing budget for this program. The remaining 648 individuals would lose SNAP eligibility entirely resulting in a loss of support for these individuals and the food supply networks where they redeem their SNAP of $141,264.00 per month or $1,695,168 per year. Adjustments to the treatment of income and deductions for ineligible noncitizens are anticipated to result in a limited net increase in SNAP dollars received in Maine.
Type of Rule: Routine Technical
Statutory Authority: 22 M.R.S. § 42(1) and 3104-A
Public Hearing(s): No public hearing is scheduled.
Comment Deadline(s): Monday, March 16, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Written public comments may be submitted via the link at https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/about/rulemaking.
Name, Address, Telephone Number, and Email Address of Agency Contact Person:
Evan Denno, SNAP Program Manager
DHHS-OFI, 109 Capitol Street, Augusta, ME 04333-0011
(207) 446-3201
Proposed
Office: Office for Family Independence
Routine technical
Email: Evan.Denno@maine.gov
Comment deadline:
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