SRC-TNM S.B. 1067 75(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 1067 By: Zaffirini Health & Human Services 3-22-97 As Filed DIGEST Currently, a substantial number of legal immigrants utilize federal welfare. However, in recent years, federal welfare reform has eliminated over $500 million in social security income and food stamp benefits to legal immigrants in Texas. S.B. 1067 would assist legal immigrants in becoming United States citizens and adjusting to a loss of federal welfare by creating grant programs. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 1067 outlines provisions regarding assistance for certain legal immigrants. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY Rulemaking authority is granted to the Texas Department of Human Services under SECTION 1, (Section 22.032, Human Resources Code) of this bill. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 22, Human Resources Code, by adding Section 22.032, as follows: Sec. 22.032. ASSISTANCE FOR CERTAIN LEGAL IMMIGRANTS. Requires the Texas Department of Human Services, by rule, to develop a grant program to assist legal immigrants who are ineligible for public assistance benefits solely because of their immigration status. Sets forth instances in which, subject to the availability of funds, the program is required to provide grants. SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1997. SECTION 3. Emergency clause.