Bill introduced to allow New Jerseyans to use public assistance programs to purchase diapers

Under a new bill, New Jersey residents receiving public assistance would be able to use benefits to purchase diapers.

Under the bill, a recipient of monies under a county, federal, or State public assistance program, who is the parent or guardian of a child under the age of three years, is to be permitted to use monies received under the public assistance program to purchase diapers for the child if the purchase of diapers with such monies is permitted under federal law. Programs such as WIC or Food Stamps, or both, could be included.

Currently, diapers under WIC and Food Stamps are classified as disallowed purchases, like pet food and cigarettes.

The bill provides that the Commissioner of Human Services is to apply for any waivers from the federal government which are necessary for the approval and implementation of the bill’s provisions.

The bill states:

1. Notwithstanding the provisions of any law to the contrary, a recipient of monies under a county, federal, or State public assistance program, who is the parent or guardian of a child under the age of three years, shall be permitted to use monies received under the public assistance program to purchase diapers for the child if the purchase of diapers with such monies is permitted under federal law.

2. The Commissioner of Human Services shall apply for any waivers from the federal government which are necessary for the approval and implementation of this act.

3. The Commissioner of Human Services, pursuant to the “Administrative Procedure Act,” P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), shall promulgate rules and regulations as may be necessary to effectuate the provisions of this act.

4. This act shall take effect immediately.

The bill would need to pass the Assembly and Senate and be signed by the Governor to become law.

 

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