Bill
HB 5325
Diverts a portion of SNAP benefits to fund drug counseling for SNAP beneficiaries convicted of drug-related felonies.
HB 5325 — Summary
Overview
- Title: AN ACT CONCERNING DIVERTING A PORTION OF SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITIONAL ASSISTANCE BENEFITS FOR DRUG COUNSELING FOR BENEFICIARIES CONVICTED OF COMMITTING A DRUG-RELATED FELONY
- Purpose (as stated by the bill’s title): To divert a portion of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to fund or provide drug counseling for SNAP beneficiaries who have been convicted of a drug-related felony.
- Status: Referral to Joint Committee on Human Services (intended sponsor committee). Related companion SB 1855.
- Introduced: March 14, 2025
- Version/Actions (as recorded):
- 2025-03-14: Filed
- 2025-01-16: Ref. to Joint Committee on Human Services
- 2025-04-07: Read first time
- 2025-04-07: Referred to Natural Resources (in addition to Human Services per sequence)
- Related bill: SB 1855 (companion)
Purpose and Intent
- The bill seeks to create or authorize a mechanism to divert a portion of SNAP benefits to fund or provide drug counseling services for SNAP beneficiaries who have been convicted of drug-related felonies. The objective implied by the title is to link treatment services with SNAP participation for individuals affected by drug offenses.
Key Provisions (as described by the bill’s title and available information)
- Mechanism for diversion: The bill would establish a method to divert a portion of SNAP benefits specifically for drug counseling services for eligible beneficiaries.
- Eligible beneficiaries: SNAP recipients who have been convicted of a drug-related felony.
- Administration: Details on which state agency would administer the diversion, how funds are allocated, and the exact percentage or amount are not provided in the available information.
- Use of funds: The diverted portion would presumably be used to fund or deliver drug counseling services (the nature, providers, and services covered are not specified in the provided text).
Who would be affected
- SNAP beneficiaries with drug-related felony convictions (primary beneficiaries of the diversion).
- Drug counseling providers and treatment programs that could receive funding or referrals through the diverted SNAP funds.
- State agencies involved in SNAP administration and program oversight (likely the department overseeing SNAP administration, though the exact agency is not specified in the provided text).
- The broader system could see changes in program administration, funding flows, and monitoring requirements.
Procedural and Timeline Considerations
- Introduction and referrals indicate the bill is moving through the legislative process, with the initial committee assignment to Human Services and an additional referral to Natural Resources noted in the records.
- As with many bills, further action would involve committee consideration, potential amendments, and floor votes before any passage.
Notes and caveats
- The text provided does not include detailed provisions such as the exact allocation percentage, eligibility criteria specifics, funding sources, duration, or oversight mechanisms. Readers should consult the bill’s full text and subsequent fiscal notes or committee reports for precise language.
- A companion bill exists: SB 1855, which may mirror or supplement HB 5325.
For readers evaluating potential impact, key questions to watch include: How would the diversion interact with federal SNAP rules? What are the enforcement, accounting, and reporting requirements? What is the anticipated fiscal impact and funding source?
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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