This bill mandates the New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS) to promote and support volunteerism as a means for recipients of NJ FamilyCare and the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) to comply with new eligibility requirements established by the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). The OBBBA, effective July 4, 2025, introduces stricter work requirements for beneficiaries, including a mandate for non-disabled adults aged 19 to 64 to engage in at least 80 hours of community activities monthly and a reduction in the recertification period for eligibility from 12 months to 6 months. The bill aims to mitigate the potential loss of access to these critical safety-net programs by facilitating volunteer opportunities that can fulfill these new requirements.

To achieve this, the DHS is required to collaborate with the Governor's Office of Volunteerism to enhance existing volunteer resources, making information about compliant volunteer opportunities easily accessible. This includes creating a web-based tool for searching and applying for volunteer positions, engaging with various organizations to identify suitable opportunities, and establishing a database for organizations to register and submit volunteer options. Additionally, the bill calls for the development of a mobile application for beneficiaries to submit documentation of their volunteer hours, annual audits of submitted information to ensure accuracy, and the adoption of necessary regulations by the Commissioner of Human Services. The bill also provides immunity to the State from liability for injuries incurred by volunteers participating in activities sourced through the established web tool.