ASSEMBLY AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY COMMITTEE

 

STATEMENT TO

 

ASSEMBLY, No. 2359

 

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

 

DATED:  FEBRUARY 14, 2022

 

      The Assembly Agriculture and Food Security Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 2359.

      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.