Bill No.: SF0100                  Drafter:  JHR

 

LSO No.:  05LSO-0512              Effective Date:  7/1/2005

 

Enrolled Act No.:  SEA0098

 

Chapter No.:       214

 

Prime Sponsor:     Senator Job

 

Catch Title:       Welfare benefits-eligibility.

 

Subject:  Expanding eligibility for public assistance and food stamps.

 

 

 

Summary/Major Elements:

 

·        Section 115, subsection (a) of P.L. 104-193, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families Act (TANF), prohibits the provision of public assistance benefits to persons convicted of a state or federal crime involving the use of illegal drugs, unless the State specifically authorizes the provision of public benefits to such individuals who otherwise qualify for public benefits. When Wyoming enacted its version of the federal welfare reform law in 1996, it applied the federal provision.

 

·        This bill exempts persons domiciled in Wyoming from the application of the federal provision that would otherwise apply, thereby allowing a person who has been convicted of a crime involving illegal drugs to become eligible for welfare benefits and food stamps if the person meets other eligibility requirements.