This bill amends section 68-1017.02 of the Revised Statutes Cumulative Supplement, 2024, concerning the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Nebraska. It aims to change and eliminate certain provisions related to eligibility for benefits, including the removal of requirements for evaluations and reports. Notably, the bill introduces a TANF-funded program that establishes categorical eligibility for federal food assistance benefits, allowing an increase in the gross income eligibility limit to 165% of the federal poverty guidelines, while maintaining the current net income eligibility limit. Additionally, it eliminates asset limits for eligibility, except for liquid assets not exceeding $25,000.

The bill also opts Nebraska out of federal provisions that disqualify individuals with felony convictions related to controlled substances from receiving SNAP benefits, while still imposing certain restrictions based on the number and nature of felony convictions. Specifically, individuals with three or more felony convictions for possession or use of controlled substances will be ineligible, while those with one or two convictions may qualify if they participate in or complete a state-licensed substance abuse treatment program. The original section 68-1017.02 is repealed as part of this legislative update.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 68-1017.02
Final Reading: 68-1017.02