New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A349

Introduced
1/11/22  

Caption

Provides for student recipients of educational opportunity funds to be exempt from 20 hour weekly work requirement ordinarily required for student SNAP participation.

Impact

If enacted, this legislation could significantly enhance the ability of students who fall under this specific funding category to access necessary nutritional services. The bill highlights the importance of ensuring food security among the student population, which is a critical factor in supporting academic success and overall well-being. Moreover, it could encourage more students to pursue higher education without the added burden of working a minimum number of hours to qualify for assistance, thus alleviating some of the financial pressures they face.

Summary

Assembly Bill A349 proposes an amendment to the state's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by exempting students who receive assistance from the New Jersey Educational Opportunity Fund from the federal 20-hour work requirement typically mandated for student eligibility. The aim is to improve access to nutritional support among higher education students who may not meet these job requirements yet are in need of food assistance. This bill is particularly aimed at helping disadvantaged students who rely on this additional financial resource to afford their education.

Contention

However, the bill's implementation depends on receiving necessary federal approvals for the waiver of work requirements, which adds a layer of complexity to its enactment. Critics may point out the challenges in compliance at the federal level, potentially causing delays in the roll-out of this relief measure. Additionally, some opposition may arise concerning the broader implications of easing work requirements, raising questions about the sustainability of support systems for students long-term and casting doubt on whether this approach adequately addresses the underlying challenges of food insecurity in the educational sector.

Companion Bills

NJ S1749

Same As Provides for student recipients of educational opportunity funds to be exempt from 20 hour weekly work requirement ordinarily required for student SNAP participation.

Previously Filed As

NJ A3186

Provides for student recipients of educational opportunity funds to be exempt from 20 hour weekly work requirement ordinarily required for student SNAP participation.

NJ S1749

Provides for student recipients of educational opportunity funds to be exempt from 20 hour weekly work requirement ordinarily required for student SNAP participation.

NJ S2591

Provides for student recipients of educational opportunity funds to be exempt from 20 hour weekly work requirement ordinarily required for student SNAP participation.

NJ SCR137

Urges USDA to revise 20 hour weekly work requirement for student participation in SNAP.

NJ SCR86

Urges USDA to revise 20 hour weekly work requirement for student participation in SNAP.

NJ A1197

Revises SNAP eligibility requirements for certain students attending institutions of higher education.

NJ S1836

Revises SNAP eligibility requirements for certain students attending institutions of higher education.

NJ A2360

Eliminates requirement that participation in NJ SNAP Employment and Training Program is mandatory for certain recipients.

NJ S2035

Eliminates requirement that participation in NJ SNAP Employment and Training Program is mandatory for certain recipients.

NJ SB344

Provides for work requirements for SNAP beneficiaries. (gov sig)

Similar Bills

NJ S2591

Provides for student recipients of educational opportunity funds to be exempt from 20 hour weekly work requirement ordinarily required for student SNAP participation.

NJ A3186

Provides for student recipients of educational opportunity funds to be exempt from 20 hour weekly work requirement ordinarily required for student SNAP participation.

NJ S1749

Provides for student recipients of educational opportunity funds to be exempt from 20 hour weekly work requirement ordinarily required for student SNAP participation.

NJ S4012

Establishes "New Economy Opportunity Skills System Pilot Program" to strengthen alignment and collaboration between local workforce development boards, community colleges, and county vocational school districts; makes appropriation.

NJ A5213

Establishes "New Economy Opportunity Skills System Pilot Program" to strengthen alignment and collaboration between local workforce development boards, community colleges, and county vocational school districts; makes appropriation.

NJ A4844

Establishes "Summer Earn and Learn Pilot Program."

NJ S2207

Establishes "Summer Earn and Learn Pilot Program."

NJ S1663

Establishes "Summer Earn and Learn Pilot Program."