SB82 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Linda Coleman-MadisonSenator

Democrat

Co-Sponsors

Priscilla DunnDick Brewbaker

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Food stamps and welfare, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), persons with felony drug conviction, federal law provisions making ineligible, provision for persons to be eligible under certain conditions

Summary

SB82 would allow Alabama residents with drug-related felonies to receive TANF and SNAP after finishing their sentence or while on probation, if they meet other eligibility rules.

What This Bill Does

Currently, federal law prohibits benefits for people with drug-related felonies. SB82 would make those individuals eligible for TANF and SNAP after they complete their sentence or while they are on probation. It also covers people who are in the process of completing or have completed mandatory drug or alcohol treatment, as long as they meet all other eligibility requirements. The act would take effect on the first day of the third month after it becomes law.

Who It Affects

• Individuals convicted of drug-related felonies in Alabama would become eligible for TANF and SNAP after completing their sentence or while on probation, if they meet all other eligibility requirements.
• Families or households in Alabama with a member who has a drug-related felony would potentially gain access to TANF and SNAP benefits under these conditions.

Key Provisions

• Section 1 – Eligibility change under 21 U.S.C. §862a(d): A person convicted of a drug-related felony who is otherwise ineligible for TANF or SNAP would be eligible upon completion of sentence or while satisfactorily serving probation, including during mandatory drug or alcohol treatment, provided they meet all other eligibility requirements.
• Section 2 – Effective date: The act becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Criminal Law and Procedure