SF 326: Relating to the federal summer electronic benefits transfer for children program (SUN bucks), making an appropriation, and including effective date and retroactive applicability provisions

What it does

This bill relates to the summer electronic benefits transfer (EBT) for children program, also known as the SUN bucks program, made permanent by federal law under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, administered by the United States department of agriculture (USDA) food and nutrition service. The bill includes findings relating to food insecurity in the state including that it is estimated that approximately 240,000 children would be eligible to receive benefits under the SUN bucks program; that when Iowans are struggling financially, they are more likely to buy less expensive foods, high in calories and low in nutritional value; and that the SUN bucks program would provide an estimated $29 million to address the food insecurity crisis which not only feeds children but stimulates local economic activity.

Senate subcommittee · named February 18, 2025

• Sen. Mark Costello (R) · mark.costello@legis.iowa.gov
• Sen. Molly Donahue (D) · molly.donahue@legis.iowa.gov
• Sen. Tim Kraayenbrink (R) · tim.kraayenbrink@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 5 for, 0 against

For: Des Moines Area Religious Council; Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence; Iowa Farmers Union; Personal Interest- Tony Thompson; Siouxland Bitches Get Stuff Done

In plain words

1. February 17, 2025Filed in the Senate and sent to the Appropriations committee
2. February 18, 2025Senate subcommittee named: Costello, Donahue and Kraayenbrink