WeVote
Log In

Bill

VF

Bill

AR 142

Urges federal government to establish WIC waiver program allowing states to authorize use of WIC benefits to purchase alternative infant formulas during public emergencies.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Vicky Flynn and 1 co-sponsor

Urges the federal government to create a WIC emergency waiver allowing states to authorize use of WIC benefits for alternative infant formulas during public emergencies.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Children, Families and Food Security Committee
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · AR 142

Summary of AR 142 (Session 222) – New Jersey

Purpose and intent

  • Urges the federal government to establish a waiver program under the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) that would allow states to authorize the use of WIC benefits to purchase alternative infant formulas during public emergencies.
  • The resolution expresses a policy preference for flexible WIC benefit use in response to emergencies that disrupt access to standard infant formulas.

Key provisions

  • Declarative purpose: The bill asks (urges) the federal government to create a WIC waiver framework enabling states to permit replacement or alternative infant formulas to be purchased with WIC benefits during emergencies.
  • Scope of waiver: Intended to cover periods of public emergencies when access to specific infant formulas is limited or unavailable, allowing state authorization of alternative products without violating WIC program rules.
  • State role: If such a waiver were established, states would be empowered to authorize use of WIC benefits for alternative formulas during declared emergencies, potentially expanding product options for eligible participants.

Who would be affected

  • WIC participants in New Jersey, particularly infants and their families who rely on WIC benefits for infant formula.
  • State agencies administering WIC in New Jersey, which would implement any federal waiver if adopted.
  • Manufacturers and retailers of infant formula, who could see changes in eligible products redeemable with WIC benefits during emergencies.

Procedural and timeline considerations

  • The bill is a resolution urging federal action rather than a law mandating state or federal program changes.
  • There is no immediate regulatory effect within New Jersey law; rather, it signals legislative support for pursuing a federal waiver.
  • If the federal government acts on the request, implementation would depend on timing and specifics of the federal waiver program, and subsequent state administrative steps to authorize alternative formulas during emergencies.

Sponsors

  • Co-sponsors: Vicky Flynn, Gerry Scharfenberger

Notes

  • The resolution focuses on advocacy and alignment with anticipated or potential federal waivers for emergency flexibility in WIC product eligibility.
  • It does not itself authorize changes to WIC policy or funding; it seeks federal action to enable state-level authorization during emergencies.

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

Sign in to ask a question.