Change eligibility requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
LB 319 adjusts Nebraska's eligibility rules for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by temporarily increasing the gross income threshold to 165% of the federal poverty guidelines (from the prior level) for qualifying residents. This change, effective until October 1, 2025, aims to expand access to SNAP benefits while maintaining work incentives - ensuring participants can keep benefits while seeking higher-paying jobs. The bill also requires the Department of Health and Human Services to develop a state outreach plan (partnering with nonprofits if needed), submit annual reports to the Legislature on program effectiveness, and evaluate administrative costs. It directly affects Nebraska residents seeking SNAP benefits, particularly those with incomes just above the previous threshold.
Bill status
failed
4 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Mar 2025
Legislature Passage
May 2025
Legislature Passage
Apr 2025
Governor
Introduced Jan 16, 2025
Last action May 19, 2025
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison
What changed between versions
Introduced
→
Final Reading
·
3 edits
MINOR
The bill was amended to add an additional sponsor (Conrad, District 46) and includes a substantive change to the Nutrition Assistance Program section, removing language about terminating program benefits and adding text about better utilizing options other states have implemented.
Scope change
The bill's scope was expanded by adding a second sponsor, and the policy scope regarding nutrition assistance was modified to shift focus from terminating benefits to exploring alternative state options.
TECHNICAL
Added Conrad, District 46 as a co-sponsor to the bill.
REQUIREMENT
Removed language about terminating program benefits.
Added language requiring Nebraska to better utilize options under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program that other states have implemented.
Floor votes · Legislature Apr 30, 2025
How they voted
32–14
Passed · 3 other
Total votes 49
Apr 30, 2025
N
Nonpartisan49
65% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
33
Key actions
4
Committee
2
May 14, 2025
Legislature · Passed
President/Speaker signed
legislature
May 14, 2025
Legislature · Passed
Passed on Final Reading 32-17*-0
legislature
Apr 30, 2025
Legislature · Passed
Rountree AM1176 adopted
legislature
Mar 18, 2025
Legislature · Passed
Placed on General File
legislature
Jan 21, 2025
Committee
Referred to Health and Human Services Committee
legislature
Jan 16, 2025
Introduced
Date of introduction
legislature
1 primary · 1 co-sponsor
Sponsors
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