Legislature Considers SNAP Benefits Expansion

The Health and Human Services Committee heard testimony on Wednesday, March 5, for and against LB (Legislative Bill) 319, which would remove the current lifetime ban for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program(SNAP) for individuals convicted of certain drug related felonies. Nebraska currently has a modified ban that creates a small exception for those with two or fewer felonies. According to the bill's Statement of Intent, “LB319 would opt Nebraska out of the ban entirely as 26 other states have done. Those convicted of a felony involving controlled substances would be eligible for SNAP if they have completed their sentence, or if they are serving a term of parole, probation, or post release supervision.” Senator Victor Rountree (D-Dist. 3), who introduced the bill, noted that, while families of those convicted are not banned from receiving SNAP benefits, the ban still impacts those families because that family member is not counted toward overall household size.“It does not matter who you are,” said Rountree. “Everyone has to eat.” Among those speaking in support of the bill were Katie Nungesser, representing Voice for Children in Nebraska, and Jason Witmer, representing the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union). Not everyone was supportive. Shannon Grotrian, director of the state Department of Health and Human Service’s (DHHS) Office of Economic Assistance, spoke in opposition to the bill, “DHHS applauds individuals striving to overcome substance addiction, believes completing treatment is imperative to this process and opposes removing this requirement for SNAP eligibility.”No action was taken.

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