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SCR 130

Urges USDA to revise 20 hour weekly work requirement for student participation in SNAP.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Tony Bucco

New Jersey urges federal changes to allow state waivers of the 20-hour work rule so more college students can qualify for SNAP.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee
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Bill Summary · SCR 130

Summary: SCR 130 (Session 222) – New Jersey Concurrent Resolution Urging USDA to Revise 20-Hour Weekly Work Requirement for SNAP Student Participation

Purpose and Intent

  • SCR 130 is a concurrent resolution in New Jersey urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to revise the federal 20-hour-per-week work requirement for students to participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
  • The resolution also calls for Congress to enact legislation authorizing state waivers of the 20-hour weekly work requirement, thereby expanding SNAP eligibility for college students.

Key Provisions and Provisions Requested

  • Statement of urging the USDA to approve changes to the 20-hour-per-week student work requirement (7 CFR 273.5(b)(5)).
  • Request that Congress enact legislation that authorizes state waivers of this federal requirement.
  • Purpose of the waivers: to expand SNAP eligibility for students enrolled in higher education.

What the Bill Would Change

  • The bill does not itself change SNAP rules at the state level. Instead, it:
    • Advocates for a change at the federal level (USDA policy) and federal statute to allow state waivers.
    • Seeks to reduce or modify the current barrier that prevents many college students from qualifying for SNAP due to the 20-hour work requirement.

Who Is Affected

  • College and university students who are enrolled in higher education (including those who may be exempt or working a portion of time) could become eligible for SNAP if the federal waiver is approved.
  • Broader beneficiaries would include eligible low-income students who currently do not meet the 20-hour-per-week work requirement.

Background and Context

  • SNAP is the United States’ largest domestic food and nutrition assistance program, administered at the federal level by the USDA but implemented by states.
  • Current exemptions in practice allow some students to qualify (e.g., age under 18, age 50 or older, disability, work-study participation, or other specified conditions). The 20-hour work requirement is a critical eligibility gate for non-exempt students.
  • Prior temporary changes during COVID-19 (via the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021) provided certain exemptions related to work-study and zero expected family contribution, but those exemptions are temporary and set to expire after the federal COVID-19 public health emergency ends.
  • The resolution emphasizes the need for a more permanent, permanent-state-authorized mechanism to broaden student SNAP access beyond current temporary measures.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Status: Introduced in the New Jersey Senate on March 23, 2026; referred to the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee.
  • As a concurrent resolution, SCR 130 expresses the Legislature’s position and requests action by federal authorities (USDA) and Congress.
  • If enacted, the resolution would be a formal policy statement and advocacy tool rather than binding state law or creating a state-dependent waiver without federal approval.

Implications

  • If federal policy or statute changes are achieved, more higher-education students could qualify for SNAP, potentially reducing food insecurity among students.
  • The resolution highlights ongoing concerns about student hunger and barriers to SNAP access, aligning New Jersey with broader national discussions on making SNAP more accessible to students.

Sponsor and Support

  • Co-sponsor: Tony Bucco
  • The measure reflects bipartisan concern about student food insecurity and the recognition that current eligibility rules limit access for many students.

Note: This summary focuses on the bill’s stated goals, requested actions, affected populations, and the policy context. It does not enact changes itself but seeks federal action to enable state waivers of the 20-hour work requirement.

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

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