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The bill would amend Chapter 33 of the Human Resources Code to impose a two-year SNAP disqualification penalty for individuals with drug-related felony convictions. The bill would authorize state agencies to seek federal approval to implement the provisions of the bill and delay implementation if necessary.
Neutral/Oppose
Current federal law states that a person convicted of a felony drug offense is not eligible for supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) benefits. However, a state is authorized to pass legislation extending eligibility to these individuals. Although, Texas has not passed any such legislation.
The purpose of this legislation is to extend eligibility to individuals two years after they were convicted of a drug felony. This would make it less difficult for persons who have previously been convicted with a drug felony to acquire SNAP benefits.
Since the bill neither abridges nor advances our liberty principles, we remain neutral on HB 1267.