HB 566

Abstract

Eligibility for food stamps and TANF; drug-related felonies. Provides that a person who is otherwise eligible to receive food stamp benefits shall not be denied such assistance solely because he has been convicted of a drug-related felony. Under current law, such individuals may not be denied food stamp benefits based on a felony conviction of possession of a controlled substance in violation of § 18.2-250, provided that such person is complying with, or has already complied with, all obligations imposed by the criminal court, is actively engaged in or has completed a substance abuse treatment program, participates in periodic drug screenings, and meets any other obligations as determined by the Department of Social Services. The bill also provides that a person who is otherwise eligible to receive TANF benefits shall not be denied such assistance solely because he has been convicted of a drug-related felony. This bill incorporates HB 391, HB 786, HB 814, and HB 1130 and is identical to SB 124.

Eligibility for food stamps and TANF; drug-related felonies. Provides that a person who is otherwise eligible toreceive food stamp benefits shall not be denied such assistance solelybecause he has been convicted of a drug-related felony. Under currentlaw, such individuals may not be denied food stamp benefits basedon a felony conviction of possession of a controlled substance inviolation of § 18.2-250, provided that such person is complying with,or has already complied with, all obligations imposed by the criminalcourt, is actively engaged in or has completed a substance abusetreatment program, participates in periodic drug screenings, and meetsany other obligations as determined by the Department of Social Services.The bill also provides that a person who is otherwise eligible toreceive TANF benefits shall not be denied such assistance solelybecause he has been convicted of a felony offense of possession ofa controlled substance in violation of § 18.2-250.