HCS/SB 727 - This act modifies provisions relating to farmer's markets. SALES AND USE TAX EXEMPTION (144.527) This act creates a sales and use tax exemption for farm products sold at farmers' markets. The exemption does not apply to farm products sold by persons or entities with sales of at least $25,000 from participating in farmers' markets. This provision is similar to a provision contained in HCS/HB 1640 (2014), SS/SCS/SB 850 (2014), HCS/SB 342 (2013), HCS/HB 927 (2013), and HCS/SCS/SB 9 (2013). This provisions is similar to HB 1057 (2014) and HB 342 (2013). SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (208.018) Subject to appropriations, this act requires the Department of Social Services to establish a pilot program for the purpose of providing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants with access and the ability to afford fresh food when purchasing fresh food at farmers' markets. The pilot program must be established in at least one urban area and one rural area. Under the pilot program, such participants shall be able to purchase fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and honey with SNAP benefits with an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card and receive a dollar-for-dollar match for every SNAP dollar spent at a participating farmer's market or vending agricultural zone in an amount up to ten dollars per week whenever the participant purchases fresh food with an EBT card. In addition, purchases of approved fresh food by SNAP participants under this act shall automatically trigger matching funds reimbursement into the vendor accounts by the Department. The Department shall be required to promulgate rules setting forth the procedures and methods of implementing this act. This program shall sunset on August 28, 2020. This provision is similar to SCS/SB 850 (2014), a provision in HCS/HBs 1861 & 1864 (2014), HB 1879 (2014), HCS/SCS/SB 680 (2014), and HB 1970 (2014). AMENDING THE SNAP BENEFITS BAN FOR DRUG FELONS (208.247) This act provides that pursuant to the option granted under the federal Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996, an individual who has a felony conviction under federal or state law involving possession or use of a controlled substance shall be eligible for food stamp benefits if such person: (1) Successfully participates in a substance abuse treatment program, is accepted for treatment and is on a waiting list for, has satisfactorily completed a substance abuse treatment program, or has been determined to not need substance abuse treatment; (2) Is complying with all obligations imposed by the court, Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse and the Division of Probation and Parole; (3) Is not convicted of or does not plead guilty of an additional controlled substance offense after release from custody, or if not committed, within one year of the prior conviction; and (4) Has demonstrated sobriety through urinalysis tests. The exemption under this act shall not apply to individuals who have had three subsequent controlled substance felony offenses after being released from custody or, if not committed to custody, after the first felony controlled substance conviction. The individual must all meet all other factors for foods stamps eligibility. This provision is similar to SB 680 (2014), HB 1068 (2014), and HB 1589 (2014). MIKE HAMMANN