INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — People with felony drug convictions could be eligible for food stamps in Indiana under a bill approved by the state Senate.
The state would join more than 30 others in modifying or opting out of federal provisions that deny Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits to convicted drug felons.
Current Indiana statute allows some drug offenders to receive SNAP, but Sen. Jim Merritt’s measure would open it to a larger number of people.
The bill’s author says drug addiction is an illness, not a character flaw. People convicted of other felonies do not face a similar ban.
Senators voted 34-16 to send the measure to the full House.
Benefits would be available to offenders who completed probation, parole or another post-conviction monitoring program. They also must comply with conditions of parole.
2 comments
Sweet! They can get food if they have the munchies or even sell them to buy drugs…We are so compassionate.
I did my time in DOC I feel that I should not be punished for the rest of my life as a disabled person with a drug felony. I have been clean for 5 years. I don’t do drugs anymore and I could use some assistance buying food. So what is the solution for recovering addicts? Surely not let us starve and fend for ourselves. I hate ignorant people and their ignorant opinions. Ever wonder why people reoffend maybe because they can’t find a good job and afford their rent because with a drug felony you can’t get help on housing or food. People need to be better informed as to what it is like to come out of incarcerations and not be able to afford these life necessities. No wonder there is so much recidivism and I feel it would be cheaper to feed the recovering addict than house them in prison at $55.00 a day. Think about it!!