1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the “Removing Barriers to Basic Needs Act of 2020”.
Removing Barriers to Basic Needs Act of 2020
A BILL
To temporarily waive section 115 of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 as applied to the TANF and SNAP programs, and for other purposes.
2. Emergency extension of SNAP and TANF benefits
Applicability of ban on SNAP and TANF benefits— Section 115 of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (21 U.S.C. 862a) shall not apply to any individual applying for benefits under the supplemental nutrition assistance program and temporary assistance for needy families program.
Effect on State policies— Any law enacted by a State under the authority under subparagraph (A) or (B) of subsection (d)(1) of section 115 of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (21 U.S.C. 862a), and any State law, policy, or regulation that imposes conditions on eligibility for the supplemental nutrition assistance program and temporary assistance for needy families program based on an individual’s conviction of an offense related to a controlled substance, shall have no force or effect until the date specified in subsection (c).
Sunset— The authority under this section shall be in effect beginning on the date of enactment of this Act and until December 31, 2022.
Definitions— In this section:
State— The term “State” has the meaning given such term in section 3(r) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2012(r)).
Supplemental nutrition assistance program— The term “supplemental nutrition assistance program” has the meaning given such term in section 3(t) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2012(t)).
Temporary assistance for needy families program— The term “temporary assistance for needy families program” has the meaning given such term in section 401 of Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (42 U.S.C. 601(a)).