RESTORE Act of 2023
Latest action (18 May 2023): Introduced
What this bill does
The RESTORE Act of 2023 (S. 1753) would amend federal law to remove the current ban that lets states deny Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to people with certain drug-related convictions. Under existing law, states may restrict SNAP eligibility based on such convictions; this bill would eliminate that authority, while preserving a related provision allowing states to set eligibility rules for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits. It also specifies that any state law, policy, or regulation that denies SNAP eligibility based on a drug-related conviction would have no legal effect. Additionally, the bill would change SNAP's definition of "household" to include incarcerated individuals who are scheduled to be released within 30 days, potentially easing their transition to receiving benefits upon release.
The bill would primarily affect individuals with past drug-related convictions who currently face state-imposed restrictions on SNAP eligibility, as well as people nearing release from incarceration. States that currently impose such restrictions would need to stop enforcing them if the bill became law.
The bill was introduced on May 18, 2023, by Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), with several Democratic cosponsors, and was referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. It has not received a vote and, according to available records, has seen no further action since its introduction.
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.
Common questions
- What does S. 1753 do?
- The RESTORE Act of 2023 (S. 1753) would amend federal law to remove the current ban that lets states deny Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to people with certain drug-related convictions. Under existing law, states may restrict SNAP eligibility based on such convictions; this bill would eliminate that authority, while preserving a related provision allowing states to set eligibility rules for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits. It also specifies that any state law, policy, or regulation that denies SNAP eligibility based on a drug-related conviction would have no legal effect. Additionally, the bill would change SNAP's definition of "household" to include incarcerated individuals who are scheduled to be released within 30 days, potentially easing their transition to receiving benefits upon release. The bill would primarily affect individuals with past drug-related convictions who currently face state-imposed restrictions on SNAP eligibility, as well as people nearing release from incarceration. States that currently impose such restrictions would need to stop enforcing them if the bill became law. The bill was introduced on May 18, 2023, by Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), with several Democratic cosponsors, and was referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. It has not received a vote and, according to available records, has seen no further action since its introduction.
- Has S. 1753 become law?
- Not yet. As of 18 May 2023, S. 1753 is introduced.
- Who sponsored S. 1753?
- S. 1753 was sponsored by Sen. Cory Booker [D-NJ] (Democrat-NJ), with 11 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 1753?
- Introduced (18 May 2023).
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