Sponsors (141)
The bill expands SNAP access to half-time students—reducing food insecurity and simplifying federal rules—while increasing federal costs and creating short-term administrative work for states and schools.
Students enrolled at least half-time (including college and eligible training students) become eligible for SNAP, increasing access to food assistance.
Low-income and student populations are likely to see reduced food insecurity and potential improvements in health and academic outcomes because of increased SNAP participation.
Federal administration (USDA/FNS) will have simpler eligibility rules by removing special student-eligibility distinctions, reducing administrative complexity at the federal level.
Taxpayers will face higher federal SNAP program costs because more students will qualify for benefits.
State governments and colleges/universities will incur short-term administrative burdens to update eligibility determinations, outreach, and IT/process changes to implement expanded student eligibility.
Based on analysis of 3 sections of legislative text.
Makes at-least-half-time students in recognized schools or training programs eligible for SNAP by removing the older special student restrictions.
Introduced July 29, 2025 by Jimmy Gomez · Last progress July 29, 2025
Expands SNAP eligibility by making individuals who are bona fide students enrolled at least half time in any recognized school, training program, or institution of higher education eligible for benefits. It removes the separate, more restrictive student-eligibility rules that previously limited access for many college and training-program students. The changes take effect January 2, 2026.