Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to override a veto of a bill that expands SNAP eligibility from 130% to 165% of the federal poverty level for 2 years.

Highlights:

• Requires the Department of Health and Human Services to apply for and utilize to the maximum extent possible, all appropriate options available to the state under the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and regulations adopted under the program to maximize the number of residents being served under such program within limits (Sec. 1-1.a).

• Requires the department to develop a state outreach plan to promote access by eligible persons to benefits of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The Department of Health and Human Services can apply for and accept gifts, grants, and donations to develop and implement the state outreach plan (Sec. 1-2.a).

• Alleges the following is the intent of the legislature (Sec. 1-3.a):

• Hard work be rewarded and no disincentives to work exist for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program participants;

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program participants are enabled to advance in employment, through greater earnings or new, better-paying employment;

• Participants in employment and training pilot programs can maintain Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits while seeking employment with higher wages that allow them to reduce or terminate such program benefits; and

• Nebraska better utilizes options under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program that other states have implemented to encourage work and employment.

• Requires a TANF-funded program or policy to increase the gross income eligibility limit to 165% of the federal Office of Management and Budget income poverty guidelines as allowed under federal law, as such law and regulation existed on April 1, 2021, but shall not increase the net income eligibility limit (Sec. 1-3.b.ii).

• Requires any recipient of SNAP benefits whose household income is between 131% and 165% of the federal Office of Management and Budget income poverty guidelines and who is not exempt from work participation requirements to be encouraged to participate in the SNAP Next Step Program administered by the Department of Labor if the recipient is eligible to participate in the program and the program's services are available in the county in which such household is located (Sec. 1-3.b.iii).

• Requires a TANF-funded program or policy to eliminate all asset limits for eligibility for federal food assistance benefits, except that the total of liquid assets which includes cash on hand and funds in personal checking and savings accounts, money market accounts, and share accounts to not exceed $25,000 according to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Sec. 1-3.b.iv).

• Establishes the State of Nebraska opts out of the provision of the federal Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, as such act existed on January 1, 2009, that eliminates eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for any person convicted of a felony involving the possession, use, or distribution of a controlled substance (Sec. 1-3-4.a).

• Establishes a person will be ineligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits under this law if he or she (Sec. 1-3-4.b):

• Has had three or more felony convictions for the possession or use of a controlled substance; or 

• Has been convicted of a felony involving the sale or distribution of a controlled substance or the intent to sell or distribute a controlled substance.

Full Bill Text

Vetoed by Governor Pete Ricketts