1. a. Consistent with federal law, the Commissioner of Human Services shall permit applicants for SNAP to apply by phone, electronic device, or kiosk, as well as for employees of county welfare agencies and county boards of social services to conduct SNAP interviews by telephone, electronic device, or kiosk. The commissioner shall establish requirements to ensure the security and privacy of applications submitted, and interviews conducted, by telephone or using an electronic device or kiosk pursuant to this section.

b. The commissioner shall:

(1) consult with county welfare agencies and county boards of social services to create an electronic record information processing system to process applications submitted for SNAP using telephones, electronic devices, and kiosks and for interviews conducted using telephones, electronic devices, and kiosks pursuant to subsection a. of this section, and ensure such systems are in compliance with federal standards; and

(2) apply and receive approval for such waivers as may be necessary to implement the provisions of this section.

c. County welfare agencies and county boards of social services shall designate an employee of the agency or board as the agency’s or board’s county social service liaison. County social service liaisons shall be responsible for consulting with institutions of higher education and the higher education community to assist with any technical assistance questions from SNAP applicants and from the county welfare agency or county board of social services arising from the use of telephones, electronic devices, and kiosks in connection with SNAP applications and SNAP interviews.

d. As used in this section:

“Electronic device” means a desktop or laptop computer, mobile phone, tablet, or any other Internet-connected device that is capable of electronically receiving and transmitting the information necessary to process an application for benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

“SNAP” means the New Jersey Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, established pursuant to the federal “Food and Nutrition Act of 2008,” Pub.L.110-246 (7 U.S.C. § 2011 et seq.).

amended 2022, c.30, s.4.

L.2021, c.93; amended 2022, c.30, s.4.