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Bill

A 4943

Establishes Stolen SNAP Benefits Replacement Fund in Department of Treasury, requires DHS to replace stolen SNAP benefits from fund, and appropriates $20 million to AOC.

2026-2027 Regular Session

Creates a Stolen SNAP Benefits Replacement Fund to reimburse SNAP households for stolen benefits, administered by DHS with a $20 million appropriation to AOC.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Children, Families and Food Security Committee
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 4943

Summary: Bill A-4943 (New Jersey, 222nd Legislature)

Purpose and intent

  • Establishes a Stolen SNAP Benefits Replacement Fund within the Department of the Treasury.
  • Requires the Department of Human Services (DHS) to replace stolen SNAP benefits from the Fund.
  • Appropriates $20 million to the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) as part of the bill’s funding provisions (the bill text indicates an appropriation to AOC; details on allocation or use would appear in the final enacted language).

Key provisions and changes

  • Creation of the Stolen SNAP Benefits Replacement Fund
    • A dedicated fund to receive and manage money designated for replacing SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits that are stolen.
  • Replacement authority for DHS
    • DHS is tasked with identifying instances of stolen SNAP benefits and providing replacements to eligible SNAP households from the Fund.
    • The bill would set criteria and procedures for when and how DHS may replace benefits, including documentation and verification requirements to establish theft.
  • Funding allocation
    • A $20 million appropriation is included, directed to the AOC. The precise use of these funds (e.g., administration, program support, safeguarding mechanisms) would be defined in the implementing rules or the bill’s appropriation language.
  • Administrative and procedural framework
    • Likely establishes oversight, reporting, and auditing requirements to ensure proper use of the Fund and to monitor replacements, though exact language would specify reporting timelines and responsible offices.

Who would be affected

  • SNAP households experiencing theft of benefits would potentially be eligible to receive replacements from the Fund, upon DHS approval and in accordance with the established procedures.
  • DHS would administer the replacement program, including determining eligibility and processing replacements.
  • Treasury (Department of the Treasury) would manage the Stolen SNAP Benefits Replacement Fund, including deposits, disbursements, and financial tracking.
  • AOC (Administrative Office of the Courts) would receive the $20 million appropriation, with the bill outlining its use, which may involve court-related administration or support for program infrastructure.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The bill creates a new fund and assigns responsibilities to DHS and the Treasury, with an appropriation to the AOC.
  • Details such as eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, replacement timelines, appeal rights, and annual reporting would be defined in implementing regulations or the bill’s text.
  • The timeline for implementation (effective date, transition period) would be specified in the enacted version, including any phased rollout or interim measures.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Consumer protection: Provides a mechanism to restore benefits that were stolen, reducing food insecurity risk for affected households.
  • Program integrity: Requires verification and oversight to prevent misuse while ensuring legitimate theft victims are compensated.
  • Budget implications: A $20 million appropriation to support the program and related administrative costs; ongoing fund management and any future replenishment would affect state finances.
  • Implementation risks: Effectiveness depends on clear eligibility standards, efficient DHS processing, and robust security to prevent fraud.

Note: This summary reflects the bill’s stated structure and provisions as described. The final enacted text may include additional details such as specific eligibility thresholds, replacement procedures, match requirements, or sunset provisions.

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

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