Bill > HB827

This bill modifies existing law regarding public assistance benefits, specifically focusing on eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as food stamps) for individuals with certain controlled substance-related felony convictions. Under the current law, individuals convicted of drug-related felonies were subject to complex requirements involving substance abuse treatment programs, ongoing compliance, and sobriety testing to maintain food stamp eligibility. The proposed bill simplifies these requirements by removing the detailed conditions and instead broadly exempts individuals with controlled substance felony convictions from being prohibited from receiving SNAP benefits, in accordance with a federal option under 21 U.S.C. Section 862a(d)(1). This change effectively makes it easier for individuals with drug-related felony convictions to access food assistance, potentially supporting rehabilitation and reintegration efforts by reducing barriers to essential nutrition benefits.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB827&year=2025&code=R