This bill amends section 68-1017.02 of the Revised Statutes Cumulative Supplement, 2024, to require the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services to establish a Restaurant Meals Program as part of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The program will allow households with elderly or disabled members, as well as homeless individuals, to redeem SNAP benefits at participating private establishments that offer meals at reduced prices. The Restaurant Meals Program is mandated to be operational by July 1, 2026. Additionally, the department is authorized to adopt rules and regulations to implement this program.

The bill also includes provisions related to the eligibility of individuals with felony convictions for SNAP benefits. It opts out of a federal provision that disqualifies individuals convicted of certain felonies from receiving benefits, while establishing specific criteria for eligibility based on the number and nature of felony convictions. Individuals with one or two felony convictions for possession or use of controlled substances may receive benefits only if they are participating in or have completed a state-licensed or nationally accredited substance abuse treatment program. The original section 68-1017.02 is repealed as part of this legislative update.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 68-1017.02