This bill amends section 68-1017.02 of the Revised Statutes Cumulative Supplement, 2024, concerning the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Nebraska. Key changes include the elimination of certain eligibility requirements and the removal of the mandate for an evaluation and report on the program's effectiveness. The Department of Health and Human Services is directed to maximize federal funding and minimize the use of General Funds while developing a state outreach plan to promote access to SNAP benefits. The bill also establishes a TANF-funded program to increase the gross income eligibility limit for SNAP benefits to 165% of the federal poverty guidelines, while eliminating asset limits for eligibility, except for liquid assets not exceeding $25,000.

Additionally, the bill specifies that individuals with felony convictions may still be eligible for SNAP benefits under certain conditions, and it restricts the department from seeking waivers of work requirements unless mandated by federal law. New provisions allow the department to require participation in employment and training programs for individuals unless exempted by federal regulations. The original section 68-1017.02 is repealed, consolidating the changes into a more streamlined framework for administering SNAP in Nebraska.

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