HB 11

  • Delaware House Bill
  • 149th General Assembly (2017-2018)
  • Introduced in House Mar 21, 2017
  • Passed House Mar 21, 2017
  • Passed Senate May 02, 2017
  • Signed by Governor Jun 28, 2017

An Act To Amend Title 31 Of The Delaware Code Relating To Eligibility For Public Assistance.

Abstract

This Act removes the prohibition against receipt of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (“TANF” also referred to by the name Aid for Families with Dependent Children or “AFDC”) funds by persons convicted of a drug felony, so long as that person is otherwise eligible or TANF assistance. Even though federal laws such as PRWORA passed during the War on Drugs frequently prohibited access to public assistance for persons with drug felonies, these laws also gave states flexibility in determining eligibility for food aid and cash assistance for families with children when applicants had a criminal conviction. The majority of states have limited the federal bans in whole or in part. In 2011, Delaware opted out of restrictions on food aid, but it has not opted out of or limited federal restrictions on TANF—the cash assistance program that is the principal form of assistance available to most families in poverty to pay for things like electricity bills or school supplies. Under existing law, individuals convicted of any state or federal drug felony, including possession of marijuana (which can be a felony under federal law), are ineligible for TANF for life. Although the children of a parent convicted of a drug crime can still receive assistance, the family’s overall award is significantly reduced, and in practice this affects the well-being of families and children.

Bill Sponsors (13)

Votes


May 02, 2017

Mar 21, 2017

Actions


Jun 28, 2017

Office of the Governor

Signed by Governor

May 02, 2017

Senate

Passed By Senate. Votes: 18 YES 3 ABSENT

Apr 05, 2017

Senate

Reported Out of Committee (Health, Children & Social Services) in Senate with 3 Favorable, 1 On Its Merits

  • Committee-Passage-Favorable
  • Committee-Passage
Health, Children & Social Services

Mar 21, 2017

Senate

Assigned to Health, Children & Social Services Committee in Senate

  • Introduction
  • Referral-Committee
Health, Children & Social Services

House

Passed By House. Votes: 37 YES 1 NO 3 ABSENT

Mar 15, 2017

House

Reported Out of Committee (Health & Human Development) in House with 4 Favorable, 8 On Its Merits

  • Committee-Passage-Favorable
  • Committee-Passage
Health & Human Development

Dec 15, 2016

House

Introduced and Assigned to Health & Human Development Committee in House

  • Introduction
  • Referral-Committee
Health & Human Development

Bill Text

Bill Text Versions Format
Bill Text HTML PDF

Related Documents

Document Format
Fiscal Note MSWORD

Sources

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