RESTORE Act of 2023
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (23 Jun 2023): Referred to the Subcommittee on Nutrition, Foreign Agriculture, and Horticulture.
What this bill does
H.R. 3479, the RESTORE Act of 2023, would remove a federal prohibition that prevents individuals with certain felony drug convictions from receiving food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The bill also allows incarcerated individuals scheduled for release within 30 days to apply for SNAP benefits before they are released from an institution. Currently, states can choose not to enforce the ban on participation, and they can also apply for waivers to allow pre-release applications.
This legislation would affect individuals with specific felony drug convictions, making them potentially eligible for SNAP. It would also impact how the definition of a SNAP household is applied, including those nearing release from incarceration. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives and has been referred to the Committee on Agriculture. Further action would depend on the committee's review and any subsequent votes by the House and Senate.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Re-Entry Support Through Opportunities for Resources and Essentials Act of 2023 or the RESTORE Act of 2023
This bill repeals a prohibition barring an individual with certain felony drug convictions from participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Under current law, a state may opt out of enforcing the ban on participation.
The bill also allows an individual who is incarcerated to apply for SNAP benefits before their release date. Specifically, the bill amends the definition of household to include incarcerated individuals who are scheduled to be released from an institution within 30 days. Currently, a state agency may apply to the Food and Nutrition Service for an administrative waiver in order to allow individuals to apply for SNAP benefits up to 30 days prior to release.
Timeline
23 Jun 2023
Referred to the Subcommittee on Nutrition, Foreign Agriculture, and Horticulture.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 3479 do?
- H.R. 3479, the RESTORE Act of 2023, would remove a federal prohibition that prevents individuals with certain felony drug convictions from receiving food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The bill also allows incarcerated individuals scheduled for release within 30 days to apply for SNAP benefits before they are released from an institution. Currently, states can choose not to enforce the ban on participation, and they can also apply for waivers to allow pre-release applications. This legislation would affect individuals with specific felony drug convictions, making them potentially eligible for SNAP. It would also impact how the definition of a SNAP household is applied, including those nearing release from incarceration. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives and has been referred to the Committee on Agriculture. Further action would depend on the committee's review and any subsequent votes by the House and Senate.
- Has H.R. 3479 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 3479. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 3479?
- H.R. 3479 was sponsored by Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9] (D-TN), with 4 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 3479?
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Nutrition, Foreign Agriculture, and Horticulture. (23 Jun 2023).
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