76R13412 KKA-F
By Olivo, Chavez, Rangel, Naishtat H.B. No. 3470
Substitute the following for H.B. No. 3470:
By Maxey C.S.H.B. No. 3470
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
1-1 AN ACT
1-2 relating to the creation of a Parents as Scholars pilot program for
1-3 certain persons eligible to receive TANF benefits.
1-4 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
1-5 SECTION 1. Subchapter B, Chapter 31, Human Resources Code,
1-6 is amended by adding Section 31.045 to read as follows:
1-7 Sec. 31.045. PARENTS AS SCHOLARS PILOT PROGRAM. (a)
1-8 Subject to available funding, the department shall by rule
1-9 establish a student financial aid pilot program to be entitled the
1-10 Parents as Scholars pilot program. A person eligible for financial
1-11 assistance who participates in the program shall receive, in lieu
1-12 of financial assistance, a package of benefits designed to assist
1-13 the person in obtaining a postsecondary degree from an institution
1-14 of higher education, as defined by Section 61.003, Education Code.
1-15 The benefits provided may include assistance with payment of
1-16 tuition and fees, payment of the cost of textbooks and other
1-17 educational supplies, and payment of other costs associated with
1-18 enrollment in the institution.
1-19 (b) The department by rule shall establish eligibility
1-20 criteria for the program. The criteria must:
1-21 (1) require that the person satisfy the eligibility
1-22 criteria for financial assistance;
1-23 (2) prohibit a person who possesses a bachelor's
1-24 degree from any public or private institution of higher education
2-1 from participating in the program;
2-2 (3) require that the person seek a postsecondary
2-3 degree that the department considers likely to improve the person's
2-4 ability to obtain employment in the person's local labor market;
2-5 and
2-6 (4) be designed to result in the selection of persons
2-7 who:
2-8 (A) are currently unable, due to a lack of
2-9 skills and training, to obtain employment at a compensation level
2-10 equal to at least 85 percent of the area median income; and
2-11 (B) demonstrate the aptitude to successfully
2-12 complete the requirements for obtaining a postsecondary degree.
2-13 (c) A program participant is eligible for medical assistance
2-14 under Chapter 32 and support services under Section 31.010 in the
2-15 same manner as a person receiving financial assistance.
2-16 (d) The department by rule shall establish time limits and
2-17 other conditions applicable to a program participant, provided that
2-18 the department may not provide assistance to a program participant
2-19 for more than 48 months, and the department must require a program
2-20 participant to demonstrate satisfactory educational progress to
2-21 remain eligible for assistance.
2-22 (e) The department shall fund the program from state funds
2-23 specifically appropriated for that purpose or from other state
2-24 funds otherwise available to the department for the program. The
2-25 department may accept gifts and grants from public or private
2-26 sources to be used to fund the program. The department shall
2-27 establish and administer the program in such a manner that money
3-1 spent under the program is included in determining the state's
3-2 compliance with federal maintenance of effort requirements under
3-3 Part A, Title IV, Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Section 601 et
3-4 seq.).
3-5 (f) Not later than January 15, 2003, the department shall
3-6 submit to the legislature a report relating to the program
3-7 established under this section. The report must include:
3-8 (1) an evaluation of the program's effectiveness in
3-9 improving employability of persons eligible for Temporary
3-10 Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits; and
3-11 (2) recommendations from the department concerning
3-12 termination, continuation, or expansion of the program.
3-13 (g) This section expires September 1, 2003.
3-14 SECTION 2. If before implementing any provision of this Act
3-15 a state agency determines that a waiver or authorization from a
3-16 federal agency is necessary for implementation, the state agency
3-17 shall request the waiver or authorization and may delay
3-18 implementing that provision until the waiver or authorization is
3-19 granted.
3-20 SECTION 3. The importance of this legislation and the
3-21 crowded condition of the calendars in both houses create an
3-22 emergency and an imperative public necessity that the
3-23 constitutional rule requiring bills to be read on three several
3-24 days in each house be suspended, and this rule is hereby suspended,
3-25 and that this Act take effect and be in force from and after its
3-26 passage, and it is so enacted.