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.