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Food and Social Support for Individuals with Drug Convictions

This act removes the nationwide ban on food and social benefits for individuals with drug-related convictions. Additionally, individuals scheduled for release from incarceration within 30 days will be eligible for food assistance, easing their reintegration into society and reducing homelessness.
Key points
Individuals with past drug convictions can now apply for food (SNAP) and social (TANF) assistance.
State laws restricting access to these benefits due to drug convictions are no longer valid.
Incarcerated individuals scheduled for release within 30 days will be eligible for food assistance (SNAP).
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Additional Information
Print number: 117_S_2667
Sponsor: Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ]
Process start date: 2021-08-05
Lustra uses Artificial Intelligence. Verify details in source documents.
Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-05-20
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Making Essentials Available and Lawful (MEAL) Act of 2021

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 117_S_2667.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the Senate.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2021-08-05.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Individuals with past drug convictions can now apply for food (SNAP) and social (TANF) assistance.
  • State laws restricting access to these benefits due to drug convictions are no longer valid.
  • Incarcerated individuals scheduled for release within 30 days will be eligible for food assistance (SNAP).
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Introduced in Senate

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-29.

CATEGORIES

Benefits Courts and Law