By Naishtat                                           H.B. No. 2252
         77R7313 KKA-F                           
                                A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 1-1                                   AN ACT
 1-2     relating to categorical eligibility for food stamps of certain
 1-3     recipients of temporary assistance for needy families.
 1-4           BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
 1-5           SECTION 1. As soon as possible after the effective date of
 1-6     this Act, the Texas Department of Human Services shall adopt rules
 1-7     necessary for this state to exercise the federal option described
 1-8     by 7 CFR Part 273.2(j) under which households that are eligible for
 1-9     noncash or in-kind benefits under the Temporary Assistance for
1-10     Needy Families program administered under Chapter 31, Human
1-11     Resources Code, are considered categorically eligible for food
1-12     stamps.  In adopting rules, the department shall designate the
1-13     specific noncash or in-kind benefit or benefits that will result in
1-14     categorical eligibility for food stamps.
1-15           SECTION 2. If before implementing any provision of this Act a
1-16     state agency determines that a waiver or authorization from a
1-17     federal agency is necessary for implementation of that provision,
1-18     the agency affected by the provision shall request the waiver or
1-19     authorization and may delay implementing that provision until the
1-20     waiver or authorization is granted.
1-21           SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2001.