Bill > HB2178

This bill allows persons with felony drug convictions to receive benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, commonly known as food stamps). Previously, the law prohibited individuals convicted of drug-related felonies from receiving food assistance, which meant they were permanently disqualified from the program. The bill removes this restriction by striking the existing language that banned food assistance for people with drug-related felony convictions and replacing it with a provision that explicitly states a person shall not be denied food assistance solely because of a drug-related felony conviction. The bill requires the secretary for children and families to submit any necessary approval requests to the federal government to implement this change. This modification aims to reduce barriers to food assistance for individuals with past drug convictions, potentially helping them access nutritional support as they work to rebuild their lives after involvement with the criminal justice system.