HB 2384 establishes a set of
criteria under which persons convicted of certain felonies related to the use
of a dangerous drug, narcotic drug or marijuana may receive cash assistance or
public benefits.
Provisions
·Prohibits persons convicted of a Class 2 or 3 felony or
under any comparable state or federal law related to the possession or use of a
dangerous drug, narcotic drug or marijuana from receiving cash assistance or
food stamp benefits.
·Prohibits persons convicted of a Class 4, 5 or 6 felony
or under any comparable state or federal law related to the possession or use
of a dangerous drug, narcotic drug or marijuana from receiving cash assistance
or food stamp benefits for two years, unless the person is in a drug treatment,
aftercare or similar program, as defined by DES.
·States that DES shall monitor persons receiving cash
assistance or food stamp benefits who are in drug treatment, aftercare or other
acceptable program.
·Declares that persons involved in treatment programs
that fail to complete the program or are found to be using drugs shall have
their benefits discontinued and eligibility terminated for the following two
years.
·Makes technical and conforming changes.
HB 2384 was amended in the Human Services
Committee as follows:
·Stipulates that in order to be eligible for cash
assistance or food stamp benefits the person must complete a drug treatment,
aftercare or other similar program.
·States that a person is eligible within the two year
timeframe if they have completed and have been successfully discharged from
probation.
·Removes the requirement for DES to monitor such
persons.
·Requires DES to amend the State TANF plan to conform.