Date posted:
Attachment(s):
The Following Rule is Proposed:
10-144 C.M.R. Chapter 301; Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Rules;
Sections 222-5, 666-6, 666-9, and 999-1;
SNAP Rule #245P – Verification Updates
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 enhance program integrity and avoid excessive program costs imposed by federal cost sharing requirements as enacted by P.L. 119-21 § 10105, signed into law and effective on July 4, 2025.
The proposed rule would update Sections 222-5, 666-6, 666-9, and 999-1 to provide clarity to applicants, SNAP participants, and Department staff on eligibility and redetermination verification and documentation requirements.
Type of Rule: Routine Technical
Statutory Authority: 22 M.R.S. §§ 42(1) and 3104
Public Hearing(s): No public hearing is scheduled.
Comment Deadline(s): Monday, June 1, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Written public comments may be submitted via the link at: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/about/rulemaking
Name, Address, Telephone Number, and Email Address of Agency Contact Person:
Michael E. Downs, Senior Program Manager — SNAP
Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Family Independence, 109 Capitol St., Augusta, ME 04333-0011
(207) 592-4850
Is Material Incorporated by Reference into the Rule [see 5 M.R.S. § 8056(2-A)]? No
Analysis and Expected Operation of the Rule [see 5 M.R.S. § 8057-A(1)(B) & (D)]:
The proposed rule changes are intended to enhance program integrity and avoid excessive programs costs imposed by federal cost sharing requirements as enacted by P.L. 119-21 § 10105 regarding verification and documentation requirements. In addition, clarifying language changes in these rules would reduce payment errors.
Brief Summary of Relevant Information Considered During Development of the Rule (including up to 3 primary sources relied upon)[see 5 M.R.S. §§ 8057-A(1)(E) & 8063-B]:
The Department considered P.L. 119-21 § 10105, C.F.R. § 273.2(f)(2), and Department expertise during the development of this rule.
Estimated Fiscal Impact of the Rule [see 5 M.R.S. § 8057-A(1)(C)]: No fiscal impact is anticipated.
Proposed
Office: Office for Family Independence
Routine technical
Email: Michael.E.Downs@maine.gov
Comment deadline:
On