Bill Text: TX SB1685 | 2023-2024 | 88th Legislature | Introduced

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Bill Title: Relating to eligibility for supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 2-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2023-03-16 - Referred to Health & Human Services [SB1685 Detail]

Download: Texas-2023-SB1685-Introduced.html

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88R9378 MM-D
By: Blanco S.B. No. 1685

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to eligibility for supplemental nutrition assistance
program benefits.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 33, Human Resources Code,
is amended by adding Section 33.016 to read as follows:
Sec. 33.016. PERIOD OF ELIGIBILITY OF CERTAIN PERSONS FOR
SNAP BENEFITS. (a) The commission by rule shall ensure that an
individual whose eligibility for supplemental nutrition assistance
program benefits has been initially established or recertified
remains eligible to receive those benefits for a period of 12
months.
(b) The commission may adjust the eligibility period
described by Subsection (a) as necessary to align an individual's
recertification of eligibility for supplemental nutrition
assistance program benefits with the redetermination of
eligibility of a child residing in the same household for medical
assistance program benefits under Chapter 32.
(c) This section does not apply to an individual receiving
supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits who:
(1) at the time the individual's eligibility for
benefits is initially established or recertified, expects a change
in circumstances within six months following the establishment or
recertification of eligibility that will make the individual
ineligible to receive the benefits;
(2) is 60 years of age or older or has a disability,
has no earned income, and resides in a household in which every
other individual residing in the household:
(A) is 60 years of age or older or has a
disability; and
(B) has no earned income; or
(3) resides in a household in which at least one
individual:
(A) is at least 18 years of age but younger than
50 years of age;
(B) has no dependents; and
(C) does not have a disability.
SECTION 2. The change in law made by this Act applies to an
initial determination or recertification of eligibility of an
individual for the supplemental nutrition assistance program under
Chapter 33, Human Resources Code, that is made on or after the
effective date of this Act.
SECTION 3. If before implementing any provision of this Act
a state agency determines that a waiver or authorization from a
federal agency is necessary for implementation of that provision,
the agency affected by the provision shall request the waiver or
authorization and may delay implementing that provision until the
waiver or authorization is granted.
SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.