Calif. lawmakers OK bill allowing drug felons to collect food stamps; about 900 could qualify

Calif. lawmakers back food stamps for drug felons

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California’s state Assembly has approved a bill that would allow drug felons to collect food stamps.

Under the federally funded program, people convicted of drug felonies are banned from receiving the aid after they leave prison. But states can opt out of that ban, and California lawmakers voted 42-23 Thursday to do that.

The food stamps ban was intended to discourage drug offenders from subsidizing their drug habits.

Democratic Assemblyman Sandre Swanson, of Oakland, introduced the measure and says letting drug felons get food stamps will help prevent recidivism.

Opponents say the bill rewards bad behavior. About 900 California felons could become eligible for the food stamps, costing the federal government up to $1 million.

The bill now moves to the Senate.