ASSEMBLY APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 5441

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  OCTOBER 22, 2026

      The Assembly Appropriations Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 5441.

      As reported, this bill amends section 2 of P.L.2026, c.87 (C.30:4D-6f2) to clarify that certain existing statutory provisions of that law are to be implemented on or before October 1, 2027.  These provisions include requiring: (1)  the Department of Human Services to create, or modify an existing, web-based, mobile friendly resource that allows NJ FamilyCare and SNAP applicants and beneficiaries to submit to the appropriate eligibility determination agencies all information and documentation regarding volunteer or community service hours that are necessary to demonstrate compliance with federal law; and (2)  the Department of Human Services and the Department of Labor and Workforce Development to establish a system by which to support the tracking of work activities and participation, including volunteer hours and community service acquired by SNAP applicants and beneficiaries under section 2 of P.L.2026, c.87 (C.30:4D-6f2), such that this information can be shared between the departments in order to collaboratively administer the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment and Training Program.

      The bill also repeals a section of P.L.2026, c.87 (C.30:4D-6f1 et seq.), which required the Legislature to appropriate $50,000 to the Department of Human Services, $50,000 to the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, and $100,000 to the Office of Volunteerism located in the Department of State to effectuate the provisions of the law.  This requirement is replaced under the bill with supplementary language added to the FY2027 Appropriations Act which transfers the following amounts from the existing $319,000 appropriation to the Office of Volunteerism to effectuate the provisions of P.L.2026, c.87 (C.30:4D-6f1 et seq.):  $50,000 to the Department of Human Services and $50,000 to the Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

FISCAL IMPACT:

      This bill is not certified as requiring a fiscal estimate.