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Bill

LB 843

Require the Department of Health and Human Services to file a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program waiver for refugees and immigrants

109th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jane Raybould and 1 co-sponsor

Nebraska must file federal waiver to extend SNAP food assistance eligibility to refugees and immigrants beyond current time limits, addressing food insecurity but potentially increasing state costs.

Raybould name added
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Bill Summary · LB 843

Legislative bill overview

LB 843 mandates that Nebraska's Department of Health and Human Services apply for a federal waiver to expand SNAP (food assistance) eligibility to refugees and immigrants who currently don't qualify under federal restrictions. The bill specifically requires the state to file this waiver application with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which administers the SNAP program.

Why this is important

Refugees and certain immigrant populations face time-limited SNAP eligibility under federal law—typically five years—after which they lose benefits regardless of need or employment status. This bill addresses food insecurity in vulnerable populations while potentially requiring state funding to backfill lost federal reimbursements if a waiver is granted, creating both humanitarian and fiscal implications.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost responsibility: Federal waivers often require states to fund benefits that would otherwise be federally covered, potentially shifting significant costs to Nebraska's budget
  • Immigration policy disagreement: Legislators may differ fundamentally on whether public benefits should be extended to non-citizens, framing it either as compassionate assistance or concerns about incentivizing immigration
  • Implementation feasibility: Uncertainty about whether the federal government would approve such a waiver, making the mandate potentially symbolic rather than actionable

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

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