State Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for Refugees and Asylees - Establishment

HB 1458 establishes Maryland's State Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for Refugees and Asylees, providing food assistance to specific groups who lost federal SNAP eligibility after July 3, 2025. The program directly affects refugees, asylees, parolees (including Afghan and Ukrainian humanitarian parolees), and other noncitizens who met SNAP eligibility requirements under pre-2025 federal rules but became ineligible due to changes in federal law. It requires the Maryland Department of Human Services to administer the program using the same eligibility standards that were in effect on July 3, 2025, ensuring households with qualifying individuals receive benefits. The program takes effect July 1, 2026, restoring access to nutrition assistance for affected individuals.