Sponsored by:
Assemblywoman CLEOPATRA G. TUCKER
District 28 (Essex)
Assemblyman WILLIAM F. MOEN, JR.
District 5 (Camden and Gloucester)
Assemblywoman SHAMA A. HAIDER
District 37 (Bergen)
Co-Sponsored by:
Assemblyman Atkins
SYNOPSIS
Provides for streamlining of SNAP application process and establishes SNAP application call center.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
An Act concerning applications for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and supplementing Title 44 of the Revised Statutes.
Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. a. The commissioner, to the maximum extent permissible under federal law, shall review and streamline the SNAP application process, as provided in this section. The goal of the streamlining shall be to maximize the enrollment of eligible SNAP participants in this State by increasing the accessibility of the SNAP application.
b. In streamlining the SNAP application process, as required by this section, the commissioner shall, at a minimum, update the online application system to ensure the system employs current technology and is user-friendly, with features that include, but are not limited to, easy account creation and access and improved tracking of an applicant’s application status.
c. The department shall maintain a call center where department employees, or persons under contract with the department, are available in real-time to assist individuals in:
(1) navigating the SNAP application process;
(2) checking on the status of an application; and
(3) troubleshooting any issues with the application.
d. The commissioner shall apply to the Food and Nutrition Service within the United States Department of Agriculture for any necessary waivers or approvals to implement the provisions of this section.
e. As used in this section:
“Commissioner” means the Commissioner of Human Services.
“Department” means the Department of Human Services”
“SNAP” means the New Jersey Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, established pursuant to the federal “Food and Nutrition Act of 2008,” Pub.L.110-246 (7 U.S.C. s.2011 et seq.).
2. The Commissioner of Human Services shall adopt rules and regulations, pursuant to the “Administrative Procedure Act,” P.L.1968, c.140 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), as may be necessary to effectuate the provisions of this act.
3. This act shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This bill would require the Commissioner of Human Services to review and streamline the New Jersey Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) application process, to the maximum extent permissible under federal law. The goal of the streamlining is to maximize the enrollment of eligible SNAP participants in this State by increasing the accessibility of the SNAP application.
In streamlining the SNAP application process, the commissioner would be required to, at a minimum, update the online application system to ensure the system employs current technology and is user-friendly, with features that include, but are not limited to, easy account creation, and access and improved tracking of an applicant’s application status.
The bill would also require the Department of Human Services to maintain a call center where department employees, or persons under contract with the department, are available in real-time to assist individuals in navigating the SNAP application process, checking on the status of an application, and troubleshooting any issues with the application. Finally, the bill would require the Commissioner of Human Services to apply to the Food and Nutrition Service within the United States Department of Agriculture for any necessary waivers or approvals to implement the provisions of the bill.