NC S849

Individuals convicted of Class H or I controlled substance felonies in North Carolina become eligible for Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) benefits and Work First Program assistance six months after release from custody or conviction, provided no additional controlled substance felony is committed and they complete or actively participate in required substance abuse treatment.

County departments of social services must require eligible individuals to undergo substance abuse treatment as a condition for receiving Work First Program or electronic food and nutrition benefits, if funds and programs are available and permitted by federal law.

Expands eligibility under 21 U.S.C. § 862a(d)(1) to allow individuals convicted under federal or state law of any controlled substance felony offenses to participate in the food and nutrition services program.

Appropriates $100,000 in nonrecurring funds to the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Social Services for the 2020-2021 fiscal year to notify the public of the changes.

Effective date is July 1, 2020.