Mo. Senate bill would let drug convicts get food stamps

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Senators are considering a bill that would let drug convicts get food stamps.

The federal government currently bars food stamps from going to drug convicts but allows states to enact laws providing them benefits.

The legislation by Democratic Sen. Yvonne Wilson, of Kansas City, would grant food stamps to felons convicted of dealing, possessing or using drugs under several conditions. They would have to either complete or be participating in a substance abuse program or have been determined not to need treatment.

Legislative researchers project the bill eventually would cover to more than 15,000 people at a cost of $2 million in state and federal money.

Republicans say the bill is a bad idea.