SRC-DPW C.S.S.B. 666 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research CenterC.S.S.B. 666 76R14124 CLG-DBy: Zaffirini Human Services 4/28/1999 Committee Report (Substituted) 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, C.S.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 January 1, 2000, rather than September 1, 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. SECTION 2. Requires the Texas Department of Human Services (department) to work in conjunction with the Texas Workforce Commission (commission) or a local workforce development board, to develop and implement a client education effort targeted at clients affected by the changes to Section 31.012(c), Human Resources Code, before implementing any provision of that section, and requires the department to notify affected clients of the effect of such changes on their work requirements and time limits. SECTION 3. 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 4. Provides that a person receiving financial assistance under Chapter 31, Human Resources Code, on December 31, 1999, remains subject to the exemptions from participation in work or employment activity requirements under Section 31.012(c), Human Resources Code, as it existed immediately before the effective date of this Act, until the person's first recertification date that occurs on or after January 1, 2000. SECTION 5. Effective date: September 1, 1999. SECTION 6. Emergency clause. SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES SECTION 1. Amends Section 31.012, Human Resources Code, by restoring a deleted a provision regarding a caretaker of a disabled child. Provides that effective January 1, 2000, a single custodial parent is not required to participate in a program under this section until the parent's youngest child reaches the age of three at the time the parent first became eligible for assistance. Requires the department to provide benefits to a person who is exempt under Subsection (c) and who voluntarily participates in a program under Subsection (a)(2). SECTION 2. Requires the department to work in conjunction with the commission or a local workforce development board, to develop and implement a client education effort before implementing any provision of Section 31.012(c), Human Resources Code, and requires the department to notify affected clients of the effect of changes on their work requirements and time limits. SECTION 4. Provides that a person receiving financial assistance under Chapter 31, Human Resources Code, on December 31, 1999, remains subject to the exemptions from participation in work or employment activity requirements under Section 31.012(c), Human Resources Code, as it existed immediately before the effective date of this Act, until the person's first recertification date that occurs on or after January 1, 2000. SECTION 5. Deletes text making application of this Act prospective.