Bill > H733

This bill modifies North Carolina's regulations regarding food and nutrition services (often referred to as food stamps) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) for individuals with drug-related felony convictions. Currently, such individuals face restrictions on receiving benefits, but this bill would remove those restrictions, allowing people with drug-related felony convictions to be eligible for both the Work First Program and food and nutrition services without the previous requirements of waiting periods or mandatory substance abuse treatment. Additionally, the bill changes the recertification process for food and nutrition benefits, extending the period between eligibility reviews from the current timeframe to every 12 months, which will reduce administrative burden for both recipients and social service departments. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, giving state agencies time to prepare for these changes. By removing barriers to essential assistance for individuals with past drug-related felony convictions, the bill aims to support rehabilitation and reduce obstacles to economic stability for people who have been involved in the criminal justice system.

Government Affairs

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H733