Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to update eligibility rules for public assistance in Minnesota, specifically targeting how convictions related to drug offenses impact an individual's ability to receive benefits. It seeks to make certain adjustments concerning which offenses affect eligibility for assistance programs.

Main Provisions

• Eligibility Impact: Individuals convicted of felony-level drug offenses within the past ten years may continue to be affected regarding their eligibility for certain public assistance programs.
• Vendor Payment Requirement: For individuals with such convictions, any benefits will be distributed directly in vendor form for essential expenses like shelter and utilities.
• Substance Use Testing and Support: Those with felony drug convictions applying for or receiving benefits could be randomly tested for controlled substances. If tested positive, the county must provide information on substance use disorder treatment programs.
• SNAP Benefits: The bill specifies that individuals convicted of felony-level drug offenses can still be eligible for SNAP benefits, though they remain subject to the same testing and support provisions.

Significant Changes

• Clarification on Drug Offenses: The bill defines the types of drug offenses that affect eligibility based on Minnesota state law and includes similar convictions from other jurisdictions but specifies that only offenses equivalent to felonies in Minnesota are concerned.
• Exclusion of Cannabis-Related Offenses: The bill exempts marijuana, cannabis, or tetrahydrocannabinols related offenses from affecting public assistance eligibility, meaning individuals with such convictions or positive tests are not subject to the same restrictions or requirements.

Relevant Terms

• Public Assistance
• Felony Drug Offense
• Eligibility
• Vendor Payment
• SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
• Random Drug Testing
• Substance Use Disorder Treatment
• Cannabis
• Tetrahydrocannabinols