Bill Text: VA SB635 | 2016 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: TANF eligibility; drug-related felonies.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 3-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2016-01-29 - Failed to report (defeated) in Rehabilitation and Social Services (7-Y 7-N) [SB635 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2016-SB635-Introduced.html
16103362D 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 that such person (i) complies with, or has already complied with, all obligations imposed by the criminal court and the Department; (ii) is actively engaged in or has completed a substance abuse treatment program; and (iii) participates in periodic drug screenings. A person who fails or refuses to participate in periodic drug screenings or tests positive for the use of illegal substances shall be ineligible to receive TANF benefits for a period of 12 months; however, an individual shall have one opportunity to comply with the testing requirement and be reinstated to eligibility for TANF benefits during the 12-month period following the date of his failure or refusal to participate in a drug screening or testing positive for the use of illegal substances. |