AN ACT to allow individuals convicted of controlled substance felony offenses who have completed their sentences to be eligible for supplemental nutrition assistance program (snap) benefits.

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.  G.S. 108A‑25.2 reads as rewritten:

§ 108A‑25.2.  Exemption from limitations for Work First Program for individuals convicted of certain drug‑related felonies.felonies; exemption for food and nutrition services for any drug‑related felonies.

(a)        Individuals convicted of Class H or I controlled substance felony offenses in this State shall be eligible to participate in the Work First Program and the food and nutrition services program:Program:

(1)        Six months after release from custody if no additional controlled substance felony offense is committed during that period and successful completion of or continuous active participation in a required substance abuse treatment program determined appropriate by the area mental health authority; or

(2)        If not committed to custody, six months after the date of conviction if no additional controlled substance felony offense is committed during that period and successful completion of or continuous active participation in a required substance abuse treatment program determined appropriate by the area mental health authority.

(b)        A county department of social services shall require individuals who are eligible for Work First Program assistance and electronic food and nutrition benefits pursuant to this section 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 to the extent allowed by federal law.

(c)        Pursuant to the exemption option granted the State under 21 U.S.C. § 862a(d)(1), individuals convicted of controlled substance felony offenses shall be eligible to participate immediately in the food and nutrition services program after the individual has been released from custody or, if not in custody, after the date of conviction, provided the individual successfully completes or continuously and actively participates in a substance abuse treatment program.

SECTION 2.  This act becomes effective January 1, 2022, and applies to felony offenses committed on or after that date.