RESTORE Act of 2025
- Sponsor
- Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9]
- Committees
- Agriculture Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Dec 5, 2025
Bottom line
The RESTORE Act aims to remove significant barriers to re-entry for individuals with past drug convictions by restoring their access to federal food and cash assistance programs and facilitating pre-release SNAP applications.
What it actually does
This bill, known as the RESTORE Act of 2025, repeals the lifetime federal ban on receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for individuals with drug-related felony convictions. It also explicitly nullifies any state laws that impose similar conditions on SNAP eligibility. Furthermore, it amends the definition of 'household' under SNAP to allow incarcerated individuals scheduled for release within 30 days to apply for benefits.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that this bill is a crucial step towards successful re-entry for individuals with drug convictions, reducing recidivism by addressing basic needs like food and shelter. They contend that denying essential benefits exacerbates poverty, homelessness, and food insecurity, making successful reintegration into society exceedingly difficult and ultimately undermining public safety. Supporters also highlight that many states have already opted out of the federal ban, demonstrating its feasibility and positive impact.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that the original federal ban was intended to hold individuals accountable for drug-related offenses and to discourage drug use. They may express concerns about the potential for increased federal spending, the administrative burden on states, or the possibility of benefits being misused. Some may also raise concerns about federal preemption of state laws, viewing it as an infringement on states' rights to set their own eligibility criteria for assistance programs.
The bill is short and its provisions are clearly stated, making it accessible for an informed reader to understand its core impacts within a short timeframe.
Section 2(a)
Repeal of Lifetime Ban on TANF Benefits for Drug-Related Convictions
This provision amends Section 115 of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA) to remove the federal lifetime ban that prevents individuals with drug-related felony convictions from receiving assistance under any state program funded by Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). This change means that states would no longer be federally prohibited from providing cash assistance to these individuals based solely on their past drug convictions.
Supporters argue
Proponents argue that restoring TANF eligibility helps individuals re-establish stability, secure housing, and meet basic needs, which are critical for successful re-entry and reducing homelessness. They contend that denying cash assistance punishes families and children, hindering rehabilitation efforts.
Critics contend
Opponents may argue that providing cash assistance to individuals with drug convictions undermines the principle of accountability for past criminal behavior. They might express concerns about the potential for funds to be diverted or misused, although such claims are often debated.
Tradeoffs
This provision navigates the tension between holding individuals accountable for past offenses and providing essential support to facilitate their successful reintegration into society, aiming to reduce long-term social costs associated with recidivism and poverty.
Section 2(a) and Section 2(b)
Repeal of Lifetime Ban on SNAP Benefits for Drug-Related Convictions and Federal Preemption of State Laws
Similar to TANF, this provision removes the federal lifetime ban on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for individuals with drug-related felony convictions. Crucially, it also explicitly states that any existing state law, policy, or regulation imposing conditions on SNAP eligibility based on drug convictions shall have no force or effect. This federal preemption ensures that states cannot maintain their own bans on SNAP benefits for this population.
Section 2(c)
Pre-Release SNAP Eligibility for Incarcerated Individuals
This provision modifies the definition of 'household' under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to include incarcerated individuals who are scheduled to be released from an institution within 30 days. This change would allow these individuals to apply for and potentially receive SNAP benefits before their release, ensuring they have access to food assistance immediately upon re-entering the community.