Date posted:
Attachment(s):
10-144 C.M.R. Ch. 301; Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Rules; Sections 111-5 and 111-7
EMERGENCY RULE: SNAP Rule #240E – ABAWD Update
PRINCIPAL REASON(S) OR PURPOSE FOR PROPOSING THIS RULE: The Department adopts this emergency rule to amend 10-144 C.M.R. Ch. 301; Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Program Rules to ensure compliance with H.R. 1-Budget Reconciliation Act signed into law on July 4, 2025.
This emergency rule makes the following changes to Section 111-5:
- Updates I(A) Work Registration as “each household member age 16 through 59 who is not exempt pursuant to subsections 1 through 10, below, must register for Work Registration.”
- Removes from I(B) “under sixteen, or sixty or over.”
- Makes various formatting updates to facilitate accurate referencing in the changes to Section 111-7.
This emergency rule makes the following changes to Section 111-7:
- Updates 1(A)(2) to include as ABAWDs individuals in a household with in which the youngest member is age 14-17.
- Removes I(B)(1)-(4).
- I(B)(1) adds “An individual is no longer an ABAWD—Beginning the month they turn 65 years of age.”
- Adds (1)(D) or (E) to 4(A) EXEMPT MEMBERS for clarification.
- Adds 4(I) “a member of a federally recognized tribe or otherwise eligible for health services provided by the Indian Health Service (IHS).”
- Removes 4(J).
FINDINGS of EMERGENCY:
Pursuant to 5 M.R.S. § 8054, the Department finds that emergency rulemaking is necessary to comply with H.R. 1 – the Budget Reconciliation Act, effective July 4, 2025, and ensure the health and general welfare of Maine citizens and the viability of the SNAP program. Non compliance with federal requirements risks loss of SNAP funding resulting in a reduction or termination of the state’s ability to provide nutritional supports to Maine’s citizens in need.
Pursuant to 5 M.R.S §8054, this emergency rule may be effective for up to ninety (90) days. The Department shall proceed with routine technical rulemaking to permanently adopt these rule changes.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 22 M.R.S. §§ 42(1); 3104; and 5 M.R.S. § 8054
PUBLIC HEARING: Not applicable (emergency rulemaking).
COMMENT DEADLINE: Not applicable (emergency rulemaking).
AGENCY CONTACT PERSON:
Evan Denno, SNAP Program Manager
Department of Health and Human Services
Office for Family Independence
109 Capitol Street
Augusta, ME 04333-0011
Phone: (207) 446-3201 Fax: (207)287-3455
TT Users Call Maine Relay – 711
Emergency
Office: Office for Family Independence
Routine technical
Email: Evan.Denno@maine.gov
Comment deadline:
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