Californians convicted of drug possession will once again be eligible for food stamps, under a bill promoted by the Drug Policy Alliance and signed yesterday by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. To be eligible, offenders must complete their sentences and show that they no longer use illegal drugs.

In 1996, the federal government banned welfare and food stamp benefits for ex-drug offenders for life -- making drug offenses the only crime that can cost Americans public assistance. But this denial of a second chance is becoming less and less common. In lifting its ban effective January 1, California joins 31 other states that have done so.

"The Governor showed great compassion in signing this bill," said Glenn Backes, director of the Alliance's California Capital Office. "There are so many disenfranchised parents out there finding it difficult to get back on their feet. Denying them food stamps instills a feeling of hopelessness that encourages a return to drugs."

The bill is AB 1796 (Leno). Gov. Schwarzenegger's signing message is below.

To the Members of the California State Assembly:

I am signing Assembly Bill 1796, which exercises a federal option to provide food stamp benefits in support of individuals’ efforts to successfully recover from drug lifestyles. The challenge of overcoming a drug addiction is substantial and universally denying food stamp benefits to people with felony drug convictions has created additional obstacles to independent drug free living and increases the likelihood of re-offending behavior.

This measure will allow the provision of food stamp benefits to individuals convicted of nonviolent drug felonies who comply with treatment requirements. Individuals who do not participate in treatment or were convicted of felonies beyond personal use will remain ineligible. As such, this bill offers both an appropriate incentive and reward to individuals who overcome their addiction.

Technological developments in the benefit delivery system and studies on the positive economic impact of food stamp benefits warrant this policy change. The successful implementation of the Electronic Benefit Transfer system assures that food stamp benefits cannot be easily exchanged or converted into drugs. Food stamp benefits are entirely federally funded, and AB 1796 will bring millions of dollars into the state’s economy at little cost to the state.

It is time for California to join the District of Columbia and 31 other states that have eliminated or modified the ban on food stamp benefits for individuals with felony drug convictions. With my signature California will assist individuals in becoming self sufficient, provide care for their children and overcome their drug addiction while adding millions of federal dollars to our economy.

For these reasons I support this measure.

Sincerely,

Arnold Schwarzenegger