# Plain Language Summary of the MEAL Act of 2021

This bill removes a federal ban that currently prevents people with drug-related convictions from receiving two critical government assistance programs: food stamps (officially called SNAP) and temporary cash assistance for families in need (TANF). Right now, if someone has been convicted of a drug offense, they can be permanently or temporarily barred from getting these benefits, even after they've served their time and are trying to rebuild their lives. This bill eliminates that rule entirely at the federal level and also cancels any state laws that impose similar restrictions based on drug convictions.

The practical effect is straightforward: people with past drug convictions would become eligible for food assistance and temporary cash help just like anyone else who meets the income requirements. This could help thousands of people who are re-entering society after incarceration get back on their feet by ensuring they have access to food and basic financial support during a critical transition period. Currently, some states have already chosen to ignore this ban, but others enforce it strictly, creating an uneven patchwork of rules across the country.

The bill also makes a smaller but important change for people about to be released from prison. It allows incarcerated individuals who are scheduled to be released within 30 days to apply for food stamps before they leave, so they don't face a gap in assistance right when they're most vulnerable. This recognizes that the period immediately after release is when people are most likely to struggle and potentially return to crime if they lack basic necessities like food.

Making Essentials Available and Lawful (MEAL) Act of 2021

Cohen, Steve

Making Essentials Available and Lawful (MEAL) Act of 2021 This bill repeals a lifetime ban that prohibits individuals convicted of certain offenses related to the possession, use, or distribution of a controlled substance from receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits or assistance under programs funded by Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grants. Any state law that imposes conditions on eligibility for SNAP benefits or TANF assistance based on an individual's conviction of such an offense shall have no force or effect. In addition, individuals who are incarcerated and scheduled to be released within 30 days shall qualify as individual households for purposes of SNAP eligibility. Under current law, unless specifically excepted, individuals residing in institutions do not constitute a household.