Senate Executive Departments and Administration Committee
Ben Mickens 271-1403
HB 1727, relative to the inter-agency data sharing for the purpose of distributing summer electronic benefit transfer (EBT) benefits.
Hearing Date: April 1, 2026
Time Opened: 11:35 a.m. Time Closed: 11:50 a.m.
Members of the Committee Present: Senators Pearl, Altschiller and Reardon
Members of the Committee Absent : Senator Gannon
Bill Analysis: This bill directs the department of education and department of health and human services to enter into a memorandum of understanding to enable the department of education to share student addresses with the department of health and human services for the purpose of administering the federal Summer EBT program.
Sponsors:
Rep. Bordes |
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Who supports the bill: Laura Milliken (NH Hunger Solutions), Dawn McKinney (NH Legal Assistance), Cory Stone, and Bridget Powers.
Who opposes the bill: Scott Burns.
Who is neutral on the bill: Brian Clark (DHHS) and Melissa White (NHED).
Senator McGough introduced the bill on behalf of the sponsor.
Summary of testimony presented in support:
Laura Milliken, Executive Director, NH Hunger Solutions
- Ms. Milliken stated that in 2024 there were many students who could not successfully use the online portal to get access to their food assistance. Summer EBT helps fill the gap of free and reduced breakfast and lunch in schools.
- Ms. Milliken explained that there is currently no mechanism to share relevant information when trying to get benefits to recipient an also would suggest a study committee as an option.
Senator McGough asked if the original house bill is a better fix.
Ms. Milliken responded that it was not found to be and there is a broader problem.
Summary of testimony presented in opposition: None.
Neutral Information Presented:
Melissa White, Division Director, Division of Learner Support, NHDOE
- Director White explained that DOE don’t have the addresses; it typically stays at the local level.
Brian Clark, Legislative Liaison on Economic and Housing Stability, DHHS
- Mr. Clark stated that DHHS also does not collect the addresses.
Senator Pearl asked to clarify what "local level means."
Director White stated it was the distributing organization, for example the school, library, or summer camp.
Senator Pearl asked who had oversight on that.
Director White stated it was the education department.
Senator Pearl asked if it was possible to require the applicants to provide the information.
Director White stated they could not since it’s a federal form.
Senator Altschiller asked if an additional form or email from the school would create a space for the sharing of information and getting access to the kids.
Director White asked for clarity then responded that DOE would not be currently involved and would differ to the local schools and DHHS.
Mr. Clark stated that not everyone who qualifies for summer EBT is known to DHHS. The barrier is we cannot change the federal forms.
Senator Altschiller asked if it was possible to get the cards to parents through the school before the end of the school year.
Mr. Clark stated that the department has, in the past, sent the card to a department when no address is on file.
Senator Reardon asked if it was possible for them to put the word out to SAU’s.
Director White said absolutely and it’s been part of their mission for some time now.
Senator Pearl asked if free and reduced was paper or online.
Director White stated it was both.
BM
Date Hearing Report completed: April 7, 2026