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 regarding eligibility for SNAP benefits for individuals with felony convictions related to controlled substances. Specifically, it allows individuals with one or two felony convictions for possession or use of controlled substances to receive benefits only if they are participating in or have completed a state-licensed or nationally accredited substance abuse treatment program. The bill repeals the original section 68-1017.02, consolidating the new provisions into the updated statute.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 68-1017.02