HB1458: TANF; assistance when convicted of drug-related felony.
HOUSE BILL NO. 1458
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 63.2-607.1 as follows:
63.2-607.1. Eligibility for TANF; drug-related felonies.
A person who is otherwise eligible to receive TANF assistance shall be exempt from the application of 115(a)(1) 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 complies with, or has already complied with, all obligations imposed by the criminal court and the Department; is actively engaged in or has completed a substance abuse treatment program; and participates in periodic drug screenings.