Senate Bill 3 creates the Silver State General Assistance Program, a state-run safety net designed to protect Nevadans when federal public-assistance programs—especially the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)—are disrupted during events like a federal government shutdown.

Under this bill, the Division of Welfare and Supportive Services can provide temporary financial or in-kind assistance (such as cash, electronic benefits, or vouchers) to individuals and families who already qualify for means-tested programs like SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, or LIHEAP. During an “extraordinary circumstance,” these Nevadans are considered presumptively eligible, allowing aid to be delivered quickly.

SB3 also creates a dedicated General Assistance Account in the State General Fund to hold appropriated dollars, transfers, and grants. The Administrator of the Division is empowered to implement emergency regulations when urgent action is required.

The program is not a replacement for SNAP, but a state-level backup system aimed at preventing food insecurity when federal benefits are delayed or reduced. The recent SNAP disruptions during the 2025 federal shutdown highlighted how urgently such a stop-gap measure is needed for the nearly half-million Nevadans who rely on food assistance.