Food Assistance Legislation (The food stamp program is now called "SNAP" at the federal level and "food assistance" in Kansas.)
2017 Session: Sub for Sub for SB 95* - increases access to food assistance. Requires the Department for Children and Families to accept recorded voice signatures from applicants for safety net benefit programs like food assistance, childcare assistance and Temporary Aid for Needy Families. * Signed into law by Governor Brownback on April 12, 2017
Background: There is no current option for an applicant to submit a benefits application to DCF staff over the phone. Community agencies have expressed interest in helping eligible applicants complete online applications over the phone, but these agencies cannot provide that help without an option for applicants to sign the application remotely. Currently, community partners who are assisting individuals with applications over the phone must mail the paper application to the applicant for his or her signature. The applicant then signs the application, attaches other required documents, and mails the application back to DCF. This process creates a delay of a week or more before the applying individual or family can receive food assistance.
Past Legislation 2016 Session: HOPE Act #2 - decreased access to food assistance 2015 Session: HOPE Act - decreased access to food assistance
