The Arizona House Judiciary Committee unanimously agreed to move a bill along that makes it easier for some to get food assistance for those released from prison.
House Bill 2060 removes the requirement of drug testing for those who served a sentence on drug possession and now in the SNAP program.
Proponents of the bill argue that if it becomes a law, it could save money and keep people from going back to jail.
Lobbyist for the Arizona Foodbank Network Mark Barnes says SNAP recipients already undergo drug testing as a necessary part of probation.
“Studies show that access to SNAP benefits right out of prison for the first year or two can reduce recidivism for people with drug charges by up to 13%. That’s a Harvard study,” Barnes said.
Bill Sponsor Walt Blackman says it makes no sense to punish people who have already paid their debt to society.
