SRC-DPW S.B. 666 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 666
76R7387 CLG-DBy: Zaffirini
Human Services
4/26/1999
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, Texas law regarding exemptions from work requirements for
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is not in compliance with
federal law.  The Texas Senate Interim Committee on Health and Human
Services provided recommendations to take into account before the
expiration of the state welfare waiver on March, 2002.  This bill would
phase out the exemption from work requirements for TANF recipients with
children under the age of four. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 666 exempts a single custodial parent from certain
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families work or employment activity
participation requirements. 

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 Section 31.012, Human Resources Code, by amending
Subsection (c) and adding Subsection (f), to provide that effective
September 1, 1999, rather than 1995, a single custodial parent, rather than
a person, is not required to participate in a program under this section
until the parent's youngest child reaches the age of three, rather than
five, at the time the parent first became eligible for assistance.
Provides that effective September 1, 2000, rather than 1997, a single
custodial parent is exempt until the parent's youngest child reaches the
age of two, rather than four.  Provides that effective September 1, 2001, a
single custodial parent is exempt until the parent's youngest child reaches
the age of one.  Defines "custodial parent."  Makes conforming changes.
Deletes a provision regarding a caretaker of a disabled child.  

SECTION 2. Authorizes a state agency to request a waiver or authorization
from a federal agency deemed necessary for implementation of Section
31.012(c), Human Resources Code, and authorizes a state agency to delay
implementation until the request is granted. 

SECTION 3.Effective date.
  Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 4. Emergency clause.