LD 2051 Maine House · 132nd Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act To Ensure Access To The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program In Maine

This bill expands eligibility for Maine's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program by redefining who counts as a "noncitizen legally admitted to the United States." It specifically includes individuals pursuing lawful immigration processes, those with permanent residence under U.S. law, and people who were previously eligible for SNAP benefits before a federal law change took effect on July 3, 2025. The legislation modifies state law to ensure these groups can access food assistance benefits despite changes in federal immigration and nutrition assistance policies.
Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Dec 2025
Committee Review
Mar 2026
House Passage
Mar 2026
Senate Passage
Apr 2026
Signed into Law
Apr 2026
Introduced Dec 9, 2025 Signed Apr 6, 2026
Floor votes · House Mar 26, 2026

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
25
Key actions
9
Committee
6
Apr 6, 2026
Signed into law
Signed by Governor
executive
Apr 2, 2026
Upper · Passed
PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.
upper
Mar 31, 2026
Lower · Passed
PASSED TO BE ENACTED.
lower
Mar 30, 2026
Upper · Passed
Committee Amendment "A" (H-894) READ and ADOPTED.
upper
Mar 30, 2026
Upper · Passed
On motion by Senator INGWERSEN of York the Majority Ought to Pass as Amended Report ACCEPTED.
upper
Mar 26, 2026
Lower · Passed
Committee Amendment "A" (H-894) was READ and ADOPTED.
lower
Mar 26, 2026
Lower · Passed
On motion of Representative MEYER of Eliot, the Majority Ought to Pass as Amended Report was ACCEPTED.
lower
Mar 26, 2026
House · Passed
House Vote: pass (67-61-6)
house
Mar 25, 2026
Legislature · Passed
Reported Out - OTP-AM/ONTP
legislature
Dec 9, 2025
Committee
The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES pursuant to Joint Rule 308.2 and ordered printed pursuant to Joint Rule 401.
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Bill Pluecker
Bill Pluecker
IIndependent
ME
44