Legislative Bill 45 amends section 68-1017.02 of the Revised Statutes Cumulative Supplement, 2024, to modify the work requirements under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Nebraska. The bill mandates that the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) shall not seek or renew waivers for any work requirements established by SNAP, and it also prohibits the department from providing exemptions from these requirements unless explicitly required by federal law. Additionally, the bill requires the DHHS to assign individuals aged 16 to 59 to employment and training programs unless they meet certain criteria, such as being a caregiver, a student, or employed for a minimum number of hours.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a TANF-funded program to establish categorical eligibility for federal food assistance benefits, increasing the gross income eligibility limit to 165% of the federal poverty guidelines, while eliminating asset limits for eligibility, except for liquid assets not exceeding $25,000. The bill also outlines the department's responsibilities in developing a state outreach plan to promote access to SNAP benefits and requires annual reporting to the Health and Human Services Committee on the effectiveness of these initiatives. The act is set to become operative on January 1, 2026, and repeals the original section 68-1017.02.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 68-1017.02