HB25: HB25 Dignity is Essential Act; enact

Currently, federal food assistance programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) generally restrict what benefits can buy, and diapers and menstrual products are not typically covered. This bill, called the Dignity is Essential Act, addresses that by adding a new section to Georgia law (O.C.G.A. Title 49). The bill does not itself change what SNAP or WIC benefits can buy. Instead, it says that if the United States Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service ever creates a waiver allowing states to let SNAP or WIC recipients use benefits to purchase diapers or menstrual hygiene products (tampons, sanitary napkins, and feminine wipes), the Georgia Department of Human Services must apply for that waiver. If the federal government approves Georgia's application, the department must then write the rules needed to put the change into effect.

• Creates a new Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 49-4-23) that only takes action if the USDA Food and Nutrition Service first creates a relevant waiver option for states.
• Requires the Department of Human Services to apply for that federal waiver if and when it becomes available, rather than making it optional.
• Requires the department to adopt implementing rules if the federal government approves Georgia's waiver application, allowing SNAP and WIC benefits to cover diapers and menstrual products.
• Gives the law a short title, the 'Dignity is Essential Act,' and repeals any conflicting Georgia laws.

Georgians who receive SNAP or WIC benefits, especially parents of young children and people who menstruate, would be affected if the federal waiver becomes available. The Georgia Department of Human Services would take on the task of applying for the waiver and writing new rules.

If the federal government eventually offers this waiver, Georgia families receiving SNAP or WIC could use those benefits to buy diapers and menstrual products, expanding what the assistance covers. Until the federal waiver exists, though, this bill has no practical effect for benefit recipients.

• Section 1 names the law the 'Dignity is Essential Act.'
• Section 2 adds new Code section 49-4-23, which is triggered only once the USDA Food and Nutrition Service creates a waiver letting states allow SNAP or WIC benefits to buy diapers or menstrual hygiene products.
• Once that federal waiver exists, the Department of Human Services must apply for it on Georgia's behalf.
• If the USDA approves Georgia's application, the department must adopt rules and make other changes needed to carry out the approved waiver.
• Section 3 repeals any Georgia laws that conflict with this Act.

1. 2025-01-15House Second Readers (House)
2. 2025-01-14House First Readers (House)
3. 2025-01-13House Hopper (House)

• Sandra Scott (D, HD-076)Primary sponsor
• Viola Davis (D, HD-087)
• Kim Schofield (D, HD-063)

• SNAP benefits
• WIC program
• diapers
• menstrual products
• public assistance