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LB 192

Change and eliminate provisions regarding eligibility for benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and eliminate requirements for an evaluation and a report

109th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Danielle Conrad and 2 co-sponsors

LB 192 makes Nebraska SNAP eligibility at 165% FPL permanent, limits waivers, and requires work-training participation where federal law allows.

Approved by Governor on June 2, 2025
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · LB 192

Summary — LB 192 (2025)

Status: Approved by the Governor (June 2, 2025)
Introduced: January 13, 2025
Primary sponsor: Sen. Dan Quick (with multiple cosponsors)
Statutory location amended: Neb. Rev. Stat. § 68-1017.02

Purpose

LB 192 permanently retains a higher gross-income eligibility standard for Nebraska’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and removes certain state evaluation and reporting requirements. The bill also (by adopted amendment AM1225) limits state actions on federal SNAP work‑requirement waivers and clarifies the department’s authority to require participation in employment-and-training activities.

Key provisions

  • Eliminates the existing October 1, 2025 sunset that would have returned Nebraska’s SNAP gross income eligibility limit from 165% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) back to the prior level (130% of FPL). In short: 165% FPL remains the gross income threshold going forward.
  • Keeps the requirement that any TANF-funded policy establishing categorical eligibility shall not increase the net income eligibility limit, and that the gross limit allowed is 165% of the OMB poverty guidelines as permitted under federal law.
  • Removes the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) evaluation and reporting requirement that previously required an annual evaluation of the TANF-funded program and a report to the Legislature (previously due electronically by December 15) identifying administrative costs, recommendations about the gross income limit, and availability of federal funds.
  • Adds (AM1225, adopted) two new subsections:
    • Prohibits the department, unless federal law requires, from seeking, applying for, accepting, or renewing waivers of SNAP work requirements under 7 U.S.C. § 2015(o) (as of Jan 1, 2025), but allows the state option to provide exemptions under 7 U.S.C. § 2015(o)(6).
    • Authorizes the department to require individuals (unless exempt under federal law) to participate in employment-and-training programs as provided in 7 U.S.C. § 2015(d).

Who is affected

  • SNAP applicants and recipients whose household incomes fall between 131% and 165% of FPL — they remain eligible under Nebraska rules because the temporary increase is made permanent.
  • The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services — administrative practices, reporting duties, and policy discretion over work-related programs are affected.
  • State budget — the federal government funds 100% of SNAP benefit costs and 50% of SNAP administrative costs; LB 192 therefore exposes the state only to its share of any additional administrative costs related to higher enrollment.

Fiscal impact

  • Primary fiscal effect: potential increase in DHHS administrative costs if caseload rises; the federal government continues to fund benefits fully, and 50% of administrative costs are federally matched. Fiscal notes were prepared for the bill; the committee and introducer materials state the state's cost is limited to its 50% share of administrative expenses.

Legislative and procedural timeline

  • Health & Human Services Committee hearing: Feb 6, 2025 (advanced to General File).
  • Several floor and enrollment amendments filed; Andersen AM1225 (the work‑requirement language) was adopted.
  • Passed Final Reading: May 28, 2025 (41–8–0).
  • Presented to Governor: May 28, 2025; approved by Governor: June 2, 2025.

Additional notes

  • The bill retains other existing outreach-plan language in § 68-1017.02 but removes the prior statutory requirement for an annual evaluation and specified report about the TANF-funded policy that established categorical eligibility.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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