RESTORE Act of 2025
Sponsored By: Representative Cohen
Introduced
Summary
Removes state drug-conviction bars to SNAP eligibility and ties SNAP rules to the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) framework. This bill would align SNAP eligibility language with TANF funding rules and change who counts as part of a SNAP household to smooth reentry after incarceration.
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- People with drug convictions: State laws, policies, or regulations that deny SNAP eligibility based on a controlled-substance conviction would be stripped of effect, potentially restoring access for those previously barred.
- People leaving incarceration and their families: Individuals scheduled for release within 30 days would be counted as part of a SNAP household. That change could help households receive benefits during the transition back to the community.
- States and program rules: The bill would rewrite PRWORA language to reference the Program of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families and adopt TANF definitions of "State" for these SNAP-related rules. That ties SNAP drug-offense eligibility standards to TANF funding structures rather than prior welfare language.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
End state SNAP bans for drug convictions
States would no longer be able to deny SNAP because of a drug-related conviction. The bill would align these rules with state TANF programs to standardize who is covered. If you have a controlled-substance conviction, you could apply for SNAP under normal rules. The text sets no dates or dollar amounts.
Count inmates 30 days pre-release in SNAP
If someone is incarcerated but scheduled to be released within 30 days, they would count in your SNAP household. This could help your household qualify or raise your benefit for that month. It applies only during the 30 days before release. The bill does not set dates or benefit amounts.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Cohen
TN • D
Cosponsors
Rutherford
FL • R
Sponsored 9/9/2025
Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2]
NE • R
Sponsored 2/20/2026
Rep. Moore, Gwen [D-WI-4]
WI • D
Sponsored 2/20/2026
Davis (NC)
NC • D
Sponsored 3/3/2026
Rep. Miller, Carol D. [R-WV-1]
WV • R
Sponsored 3/3/2026
McGovern
MA • D
Sponsored 5/11/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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