This bill amends section 68-1017.02 of the Revised Statutes Supplement, 2025, concerning the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Nebraska. It mandates the Department of Health and Human Services to apply for a waiver of work requirements for specific groups, including homeless individuals, veterans, and those who have aged out of foster care. The bill eliminates previous provisions that restricted the department from seeking waivers for work requirements unless mandated by federal law. Additionally, it establishes that the department must submit waiver applications annually by October 1, starting in 2026, to restore exemptions that were in place prior to recent federal changes.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the department's responsibilities to maximize federal funding for SNAP, develop outreach plans to promote program access, and create policies to enhance eligibility criteria without increasing the gross income limit. It also specifies that individuals with felony convictions may still receive benefits under certain conditions, particularly if they have completed a substance abuse treatment program. The original section of the law is repealed, reflecting these changes and the new focus on expanding access to SNAP benefits for vulnerable populations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 68-1017.02