HB1458: TANF; assistance when convicted of drug-related felony.

HOUSE BILL NO. 1458

Offered January 9, 2013
Prefiled December 27, 2012
A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 63.2-607.1, relating to TANF eligibility; drug-related felonies.
Patron-- Watts

Committee Referral Pending

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.