Food stamps for drug felons bill heads to Governor's desk for approval

A bill that would lift a lifetime ban on drug felons from getting food stamps is headed to Governor Eric Holcomb’s desk to be signed into Indiana law. Currently, Indiana is one of just four states that prohibits individuals with a prior drug felony conviction from receiving SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), even if they are otherwise eligible. The language lifting the ban was originally included in Senate Bill 11, but was amended into House Bill 1317. With a 36-13 Senate vote, House Bill 1317 is now headed for its last hurdle—the Governor’s desk. Call 6 Investigates was there as fifteen groups testified in support of the legislation including Goodwill, United Way, Midwest Food Bank, Indiana Institute for Working Families, Indiana Catholic Conference and the Indiana Township Association.