HB 2430

This bill requires the commissioner of human services to provide the commissioner of correction with a form application for food assistance for use by inmates who are preparing for release. The application must include all of the following:  An option for an inmate to indicate that the inmate is declining to apply for food assistance .  Options for an inmate who declines to apply for food assistance to indicate the inmate's reasons for doing so .  The option for an inmate who wishes to decline to apply for food assistance to do so anonymously. This bill requires the department of correction to (i) p rovide each inmate who is preparing for release from incarceration with a copy of the application and sufficient opportunity and means to complete the application prior to release and (ii) c ollect all applications from such inmates and return the completed applications to the department of human services. REPORTS Beginning no later than January 15, 2027, and no later than January 15 of each subsequent year , this bill requires the commissioner of correction to submit a written report to the chief clerk of the senate, the chief clerk of the house of representatives, and the legislative librarian that includes data from the previous calendar year on (i) t he number of completed food assistance applications that were completed by inmates prior to release in each state correctional institution , ( ii ) t he number of such ap plications on which the inmate indicated a desire to decline to apply for food assistance , and ( iii ) the r easons inmates who declined to apply indicated as the reasons for such denial . Likewise, the commissioner of human services must submit a written report to the chief clerk of the senate, the chief clerk of the house of representatives, and the legislative librarian that includes data from the previous calendar year on the number of inmates who were approved for food assistance prior to release from imp risonment. RULEMAKING This bill authorizes the commissioner of correction and the commissioner of human services to promulgate rules to effectuate this bill.