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 opts out of federal provisions that restrict SNAP eligibility for individuals with felony drug convictions, allowing those with one or two convictions to qualify if they participate in a substance abuse treatment program. New provisions also state that the department shall not seek waivers for work requirements unless mandated by federal law, while retaining the option to exempt individuals from these requirements. The original section 68-1017.02 is repealed, consolidating the changes into a more streamlined framework for administering SNAP in Nebraska.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