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

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. Upon the effective date of the bill, the department of health and human services (HHS), in coordination with the department of education, shall immediately submit a letter of intent to apply for and participate in the SUN bucks program during summer 2025, to coordinate with the USDA to develop a successful management and administration plan for the SUN bucks program, and to submit the plan to the USDA by April 1, 2025. The bill appropriates from the general fund of the state to HHS for fiscal year 2024-2025 a sufficient amount to cover the costs of administering the SUN bucks program during summer 2025. The bill takes effect upon enactment and is retroactively applicable to July 1, 2024.