An Act concerning applications for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, amending the title and body of P.L.2021, c.243, supplementing Title 44 of the Revised Statutes, and making an appropriation.
Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. The title of P.L.2021, c.243 is amended to read as follows:
An Act concerning participation in the New Jersey Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and supplementing Title 44 of the Revised Statutes.
2. Section 1 of P.L.2021, c.243 (C.44:10-81.3) is amended to read as follows:
C.44:10-81.3 Streamlining SNAP application for senior citizens.
1. a. The Commissioner of Human Services, 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 process shall be to maximize the enrollment of eligible SNAP participants in New Jersey 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, easy user access, and easy tracking of an applicant’s application status.
c. The Department of Human Services, working in consultation and cooperation with appropriate advocacy organizations, shall engage in comprehensive outreach efforts to ensure that New Jersey residents are made aware of their ability to apply for and obtain SNAP benefits through a streamlined and expedited process. At a minimum, the department shall provide outreach at all health care facilities, social service agencies that serve seniors in the State, and other organizations focused on food assistance, and shall use all available media, including print, radio, television, and the Internet, to inform residents of the availability of the streamlined SNAP application process established pursuant to this section.
d. The Commissioner of Human Services 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.).
C.44:10-81.5 SNAP application call center established.
3. a. The Department of Human Services shall establish 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.
b. 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.
c. 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.).
4. Section 2 of P.L.2021, c.243 (C.44:10-81.4) is amended to read as follows:
C.44:10-81.4 Rules, regulations.
2. The Commissioner of Human Services may adopt rules and regulations, pursuant to the “Administrative Procedure Act,” P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), as may be necessary to implement the provisions of this act and P.L.2022, c.26 (C.44:10-81.5 et al.).
5. There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Department of Human Services the sum of $750,000 for the purpose of implementing the provisions of P.L.2022, c.26 (C.44:10-81.5).
6. This act shall take effect immediately.
Approved June 30, 2022.