ONE HUNDRED NINTH LEGISLATURE - FIRST SESSION - 2025
COMMITTEE STATEMENT
LB319
Hearing Date: Wednesday March 05, 2025
Committee On: Health and Human Services
Introducer: Rountree
One Liner: Change eligibility requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
Roll Call Vote - Final Committee Action:
Advanced to General File
Vote Results:
Aye: 6 Senators Hardin, Fredrickson, Hansen, Meyer, Quick, Riepe
Nay:
Absent:
Present Not Voting:1 Senator Ballard
Testimony:
Proponents: Representing:
Senator Victor Rountree Opening Presenter
Ryan Dale Assistant Chief, Lincoln Police Department
Jasmine Harris RISE
Jason Witmer ACLU Nebraska
Kayla Tobey self/Nebraska Appleseed
Shari Kimble self
LaTishia Ramirez self
Rev. Kaitlin Reece The Benedictine Way and Balancing the Scales
Scott Barker The Diocese of Nebraska
Tom Venzor Nebraska Catholic Conference
Katie Nungesser Voices for Children in Nebraska
Eric Savaiano Nebraska Appleseed
Opponents: Representing:
Shannon Grotrian NE Department of Health and Human Services
Neutral: Representing:
* ADA Accommodation Written Testimony
Summary of purpose and/or changes:
Pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 862, Nebraska opts out of the federal provision disqualifying individuals with felony drug
convictions from SNAP benefits, ensuring eligibility for those who have completed their sentence or are currently on
parole, probation, or post-release supervision.
Committee Statement: LB319
Health and Human Services Committee
Page 1 f5a9546ef9e603f02d1cf6db3121235a Sec. 1.1 to 1.3 – Remains unchanged.
Sec. 1.4 - LB319, pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 862, directs Nebraska to exercise its option to opt out of the federal provision
under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 that disqualifies individuals with
felony drug convictions from Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
Individuals convicted of a felony for possession, use, or distribution of a controlled substance remain eligible for
SNAP benefits if they have completed their sentence or are currently serving parole, probation, or post-release
supervision.
Sec. 2 – Repealer.
Brian Hardin, Chairperson
Committee Statement: LB319
Health and Human Services Committee
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