Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 63.2-607.1 as follows:

§63.2-607.1. Eligibility for TANF; drug-related felonies.

A person who is otherwise eligible to receive TANF shall be exempt from the application of § 115(a)(1) of the federal Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, P.L. 104-193, and shall not be denied such assistance solely because he has been convicted of a felony offense of possession of a controlled substance in violation of §18.2-250, provided that such person is complying with all obligations imposed by the criminal court, is actively engaged in or has completed a substance abuse treatment program, participates in periodic drug screenings, and meets any other obligations as determined by the Department.