Date posted:
Attachment(s):
The Following Rule is Proposed:
10-144 C.M.R. Chapter 301; Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Rules; Section 111-2,
SNAP Rule #246 – Special Immigrant Juveniles
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) Rules to ensure compliance with P.L. 2025, Ch. 647, 1-A signed into law on April 6, 2026. Consistent with P.L. 2025, Ch. 647, 1-A, the proposed rule would update Section 111-2 to provide clarity for participants, applicants, and Department staff for Special Immigrant Juvenile requirements and survivors of human trafficking that do not qualify for federal food assistance benefits who may be potentially eligible for State Funded SNAP. Other non-substantive changes were made to align the language of the rule with the amended language in the law.
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, June 29, 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.
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 outline potential eligibility for State Funded SNAP benefits for certain Special Immigrant Juveniles for Department staff processing applications, participants, and applicants.
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. 2025, Ch. 647, 1-A, 22 M.R.S. 3104-A, and Department staff expertise 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 are expected to potentially increase the number of Maine residents eligible for state-funded SNAP by up to as many as 135 individuals, potentially increasing the total cost of state-funded SNAP benefits by $29,430 per month or $353,160 per year. The additional state-funded SNAP costs are expected to be absorbed within the existing budget for this program.
Name, Address, Telephone Number, and Email Address of Agency Contact Person:
Evan Denno, Program Manager - SNAP
Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Family Independence, 109 Capitol St., Augusta, ME 04333-0011
(207) 446-3201
Proposed
Office: Office for Family Independence
Routine technical
Email: Evan.Denno@maine.gov
Comment deadline:
On