Elimination of SNAP eligibility sunset date amended, returned to final reading

A bill on final reading that would eliminate a scheduled sunset date on expanded eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program was returned to select file May 14 and amended to include a measure that seeks to strengthen work requirements for the program.

Income eligibility guidelines for SNAP were expanded in 2021 from 130% of the federal poverty level to 165%. That expansion is scheduled to expire Oct. 1. LB192, introduced by Grand Island Sen. Dan Quick, would eliminate the sunset date and retain the current income eligibility level.

Senators voted to return the bill to select file to consider an amendment offered by Omaha Sen. Bob Andersen, which includes the amended provisions of his LB656.

The measure would prohibit the state Department of Health and Human Services from seeking, applying for or renewing a work requirement waiver for SNAP benefits unless expressly required to do so by federal law. DHHS also could require all eligible SNAP recipients to participate in the employment and training program at the department’s discretion.

Andersen said the proposal seeks to address a “loophole” in state law that provides a “blanket” waiver to nearly 19,000 able-bodied Nebraskans.

“[The amendment] is about transforming our safety net into a launchpad for opportunity,” he said. “Rather than subsidizing dependency, [it] paves the way for self-sufficiency, healthier lives and a more robust economy.”

Speaking in support, Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair said the amendment would provide important resources and training to help able-bodied individuals get back to work sooner.

Quick opposed what he characterized as an “unfriendly” amendment, saying it could create barriers for current SNAP recipients who are in compliance with existing work requirements. He also noted that several of the 20 states that have eliminated work requirement waivers are now attempting to reverse those decisions.

Lincoln Sen. George Dungan also opposed the amendment, which he said could cost the state nearly $3 million annually to implement.

After voting 28-14 to adopt Andersen’s amendment, senators advanced LB192 to final reading by voice vote.