SB835: TANF; eligibility for benefits if convicted of drug-related felonies.

SENATE BILL NO. 835
Offered January 10, 2007
Prefiled January 5, 2007
A BILL to amend and reenact § 63.2-505.2 of the Code of Virginia, relating to eligibility for TANF and food stamps; drug-related felonies.
Patron-- Devolites Davis

Referred to Committee on Rehabilitation and Social Services

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1.  That § 63.2-505.2 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:

§ 63.2-505.2. Eligibility for TANF and food stamps; drug-related felonies.

A person who is otherwise eligible to receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or food stamp benefits shall be exempt from the application of section 115(a) of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, P.L. 104-193, and shall not be denied such assistance solely because he has been convicted of a felony offense of possession of a controlled substance in violation of § 18.2-250, provided 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 any other obligations as determined by the Department.