A bill prefiled in the Alabama Senate wants to ease restriction for residents ineligible for welfare benefits because of felony drug convictions. Under a proposed change to state law, Alabamians convicted of a drug related felonies but meeting certain condition would be eligible for assistance under federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
According to a copy of SB31, sponsored by Sen. Linda Coleman, D-Birmingham, current law prevents any person convicted of a felony related to the possession, use, or sale of a controlled substance under state or federal laws from receiving assistance. The proposed bill would allow these convicted felons to become eligible for federal benefits once they complete their sentence or complete a mandatory drug treatment program.
SB31 was prefiled in the Alabama Senate on Monday and referred to the Senate Health and Human Services committee. The Alabama Legislature will convene for the 2015 session on March 3.