Date posted:
Attachment(s):
10-144 C.M.R. Chapter 301; Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Rules; Sections 111-5 and 111-7
SNAP Rule #240P – ABAWD Update
PRINCIPAL REASON(S) OR PURPOSE FOR PROPOSING THIS RULE: The Department proposes routine technical changes to 10-144 C.M.R. Ch. 301; Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Program Rules to ensure compliance with H.R. 1-the Budget Reconciliation Act signed into law and effective on July 4, 2025.
This proposed rule would update Section 111-5 to provide clarity for participants, applicants, and Department staff for Work Registration requirements and exemptions.
Consistent with H.R. 1 the proposed rule would update Section 111-7 to provide clarity for participants, applicants, and Department staff for the related Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) criteria.
This rulemaking proposes continued non-substantive changes to improve the readability and inclusivity of the manual. In addition, the proposed rule would remove Code of Federal Register (C.F.R.) citations in the headers of open sections as these citations are unnecessary and are identified within the sections as applicable.
Proposed changes to the current rule would update the open sections consistent with the recent change of the terms “Food Supplement” and “Food Supplement Program” to “Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program” and by extension, their associated abbreviations to “SNAP” or other substitutable terms. The proposed changes are consistent with the terminology used in federal law and regulation as well as signage and other materials seen throughout the state and nation.
The Department implemented some of these changes on an emergency basis on September 16, 2025, effective September 16, 2025, in Rule No. SNAP 240E. Because the emergency rule is effective for only 90 days, this rule making is necessary to make those changes permanent.
TYPE OF RULE (check one): X Routine Technical ___ Major Substantive
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 22 M.R.S. §§ 42(1) and 3104
PUBLIC HEARING: No public hearing is scheduled.
COMMENT DEADLINE: Monday, November 10, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. ET.
Written public comments may be submitted via the link at https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/about/rulemaking.
AGENCY CONTACT PERSON:
Evan Denno, SNAP Program Manager
Department of Health and Human Services
Office for Family Independence
109 Capitol Street
Augusta, ME 04330-6841
Phone: (207) 446-3201/Fax: (207) 287-3455
TT Users Call Maine Relay – 711
Proposed
Office: Office for Family Independence
Routine technical
Email: Evan.Denno@maine.gov
Comment deadline:
On