DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 681 Engrossed 2017 Regular Session Moreno
Abstract: Eliminates restrictions on eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
and for cash assistance through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program for
persons with prior drug convictions.
Present law provides for operation by the Department of Children and Family Services of the
following assistance programs:
(1)The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (successor to the Food Stamp Program),
referred to hereafter as "SNAP".
(2)The following cash assistance programs funded by the state's Temporary Assistance for
Needy Families block grant, referred to hereafter collectively as "TANF cash assistance":
(a)The Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program (cash assistance for
low-income families with dependent children).
(b)The Kinship Care Subsidy Program (cash assistance for low-income kinship
caregivers including grandparents, step-grandparents, and other adult relatives within
the fifth degree of kinship who have legal custody or guardianship of a minor
relative).
Proposed law retains present law and revises eligibility criteria for these programs as detailed below.
Present law provides that an individual convicted under federal or state law of any felony offense
which involves the possession, use, or distribution of a controlled substance shall be ineligible for
SNAP benefits and for TANF cash assistance benefits for a one-year period commencing on the date
of conviction if he is not incarcerated, or from the date of release from incarceration if he is
incarcerated. Proposed law repeals present law.
Pursuant to authorization provided in federal law (21 U.S.C. 862a), proposed law provides that all
individuals domiciled in La. shall be exempt from the prohibition established in federal law on
eligibility for SNAP benefits and for TANF cash assistance benefits based on prior drug convictions.
Effective October 1, 2017.
(Adds R.S. 46:233.3; Repeals R.S. 46:233.2 and 237(D))