FL H0813

Individuals convicted on or after July 1, 2012, of felony drug possession are ineligible for temporary cash assistance or food assistance unless they complete a department-approved drug treatment program meeting requirements of s. 397.401.

Individuals convicted of drug trafficking under s. 893.135 are permanently ineligible for temporary cash assistance or food assistance.

When an individual is deemed ineligible due to a felony drug conviction, a protective payee shall be designated to receive assistance on behalf of other assistance group members.

Current law allowing benefits denial solely based on felony drug conviction is modified to permit state to opt out of federal restrictions on controlled substance felony convictions under Pub. L. No. 104-193, s. 115.

Conforming amendments update cross-references throughout Florida Statutes sections 409.2564, 409.902, 414.045, 414.0652, and 414.0655 to reflect revised subsection numbering.

Effective date is July 1, 2012.