Georgia's new law lifting the lifetime ban on food stamps for drug felons could come with a hefy price tag of about $10 million.

Gov. Nathan Deal signed the measure into law today. The change could affect some 6,600 Georgians rejected each year for food stamps because they are convicted drug felons. That could mean an additional $10.4 million in food stamps, researchers say.

Food stamps are funded completely by the federal government. The state contributes to the management of the program.

Some say the costs are worth it to help offenders re-enter society, but others worry that some of them will simply collect food stamps and not work to become productive citizens.

Read the full story at http://www.myajc.com/news/news/breaking-news/georgia-expected-to-lift-food-stamp-ban-on-drug-of/nrCMx/

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Julian Conley listens during opening statements in his trial at Fulton County Superior Court in Atlanta on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. The 25-year-old is accused of fatally shooting 8-year-old Secoriea Turner in July 2020. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com