By: Walle H.B. No. 2126

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to eligibility for the supplemental nutrition assistance program and the provision of employment and training services under the program.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 33, Human Resources Code, is amended by adding Sections 33.0007 and 33.021 to read as follows:

Sec. 33.0007. THIRD-PARTY SERVICE PROVIDERS OF SNAP EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING SERVICES. (a) The Health and Human Services Commission shall contract with one or more third-party service providers to provide supplemental nutrition assistance program employment and training services. The Health and Human Services Commission shall prioritize contracting with a third-party service provider that:

(1) expands the types and varieties of those services available to a recipient of supplemental nutrition assistance benefits; and

(2) has a demonstrated record of preparing individuals for entry into workforce industries with a high demand for skilled labor.

(b) In contracting with a third-party service provider, the Health and Human Services Commission, shall ensure the terms of the contract are designed in a manner that maximizes this state's receipt of all available federal matching money for supplemental nutrition assistance program employment and training services.

Sec. 33.021. SNAP ELIGIBILITY OF CERTAIN STUDENTS ENROLLED IN POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION PROGRAMS. (a) In this section, "postsecondary educational institution" includes:

(1) an institution of higher education or a private or independent institution of higher education as defined by Section 61.003, Education Code; and

(2) a career school or college as defined by Section 132.001, Education Code.

(b) The executive commissioner shall adopt rules consistent with federal law to provide supplemental nutrition assistance benefits to students enrolled in a postsecondary educational institution. The rules must:

(1) identify the types of postsecondary degrees or programs in which a student must be enrolled to qualify for supplemental nutrition assistance benefits, including participation in any work placement or unpaid internship associated with a postsecondary educational institution; and

(2) ensure a student remains eligible for supplemental nutrition assistance benefits during a break in the semester or academic term of the postsecondary educational institution in which the student is enrolled.

(c) The executive commissioner shall establish a work group to provide input for the adoption of rules under Subsection (b). In adopting the rules, the executive commissioner shall consider the work group's input.

(d) The work group is composed of at least 9 but not more than 13 members who are representatives of:

(1) postsecondary educational institutions; or

(2) non-profit organizations serving low-income individuals.

(e) The executive commissioner shall ensure members of the work group represent various types of postsecondary educational institutions located throughout this state. The executive commissioner shall appoint one work group member to serve as presiding officer.

(f) The work group is automatically abolished on the adoption of rules under Subsection (b).

(g) Subsections (c), (d), (e), and (f) and this subsection expire September 1, 2023.

SECTION 2. (a) Not later than December 31, 2021, the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission shall establish the work group required by Section 33.021, Human Resources Code, as added by this Act.

(b) Not later than December 31, 2022, the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission shall adopt the rules required by Section 33.021, Human Resources Code, as added by 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, 2021.