An Act concerning a mobile software program for New Jersey Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program recipients, 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:
C.44:10-107 Definitions regarding mobile-friendly software and SNAP.
1. As used in this act:
“Commissioner” means the Commissioner of Human Services.
"Electronic benefit transfer card or benefit card" means a benefit card utilized by a consumer to gain access to nutrition assistance program benefits.
"Mobile-friendly software" means a computer program or web-based software application designed to be used in conjunction with a mobile electronic communication device, as defined herein, and available through multiple software platforms.
"Mobile electronic communication device" means any mobile device capable of communication or other transmission of information and includes, but is not limited to, a cellular telephone, wireless tablet, or other device with Internet capability, or other wireless communication device.
"Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program" or "SNAP" means the supplemental nutrition assistance program, established pursuant to the federal "Food and Nutrition Act of 2008," Pub.L.88-525 (7 U.S.C. s.2011 et seq.).
C.44:10-108 Mobile-friendly software for SNAP recipients.
2. a. The Department of Human Services shall develop and maintain, or enter into or modify an agreement with a third party to develop and maintain mobile-friendly software for SNAP recipients. The mobile-friendly software shall include, but not be limited to, functionality that allows a user of the mobile software program who is recipient of SNAP benefits to:
(1) view the user’s SNAP case status and the current benefits the user receives;
(2) request an electronic benefit transfer card or a replacement card;
(3) upload and submit required documents for continued participation in SNAP and track the current processing status of those documents;
(4) receive notices and updates regarding important deadlines or actions;
(5) read and print notices and letters;
(6) update contact information;
(7) request to have a letter mailed to the user listing the amount of benefits the user receives;
(8) view local contact information for the County Board of Social Services for the county in which the user resides and
(9) access any other functionalities as determined by the department.
b. The mobile-friendly software shall be made available free of charge and in multiple languages.
C.44:10-109 Commissioner’s application for waivers, grants.
3. The commissioner shall apply for any:
a. waivers from the federal government, which are necessary for the approval and implementation of this act; and
b. grants through the SNAP Process and Technology Improvement Grants program within the United States Department of Agriculture to receive federal funding to implement the provisions of this act.
C.44:10-110 Rules, regulations.
4. The Commissioner of Human Services, pursuant to the “Administrative Procedure Act,” P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), shall promulgate rules and regulations as may be necessary to effectuate the provisions of this act.
5. There is appropriated $2,000,000 from the General Fund to the Department of Human Services to fund the development and maintenance of the mobile friendly software required pursuant to P.L.2021, c.245 (C. 44:10-107 et seq.).
6. This act shall take effect immediately.
Approved September 30, 2021.