SRC-CDH S.B. 775 75(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 775 By: Nixon Health & Human Services 3-7-97 As Filed DIGEST Currently, individuals seeking eligibility for assistance and services through a Texas health and human services agency must meet various criteria for eligibility depending on the program, including documentation of resources and income. If a client is unwilling to provide necessary documentation, the agencies deny eligibility; however, agencies rely on promulgated rules instead of statute as a basis for denial of these benefits. This legislation prohibits an agency from providing assistance benefits to a person who fails to provide the necessary documentation in an effort to strengthen the enforcement of eligibility standards. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 775 establishes the eligibility for public assistance benefits administered by health and human services agencies. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 531B, Government Code, by adding Section 531.047, as follows: Sec. 531.047. DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR ELIGIBILITY DETERMINATION. Prohibits a health and human services agency from providing public assistance benefits to a person who fails to provide to the agency a document necessary to determine eligibility for the benefits. SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1997. Makes application of this Act prospective. SECTION 3. Emergency clause.