Asm. Marilyn Piperno

Maddy summaryThis bill (A-2040) requires New Jersey's Human Services Commissioner to request that the federal USDA allow SNAP (food stamp) benefits to cover delivery fees for online grocery orders. It directly affects low-income households in New Jersey who receive SNAP benefits and shop online through authorized retailers like Amazon, Walmart, ShopRite, and The Fresh Grocers. The key provision changes how SNAP funds can be used - permitting them to pay delivery charges for SNAP-eligible groceries, which was previously prohibited under federal rules. The bill was enacted into law (P.L.2023, c.236) after passing both legislative chambers unanimously.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes New Jersey's requirement for designating set-aside contracts for disabled veterans' businesses, reducing the number of qualified businesses needed from three to two. It directly affects state contracting agencies and disabled veterans' businesses by making it easier to qualify for these set-aside contracts, which reserve work for veteran-owned businesses. The change aligns New Jersey's standard with federal guidelines and neighboring states, addressing challenges caused by the low number of registered disabled veterans' businesses in the state. The amendment modifies existing law to allow set-asides when at least two qualified businesses can bid fairly on the contract.