SRC-VRA, VRA, TAG S.B. 71 78(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 71 78R1108 KLA-DBy: Zaffirini Health and Human Services 3/24/2003 As Filed DIGEST AND PURPOSE Currently, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) recipients who become employed are able to access an earned income disregard for four months in a twelve-month period. Ninety percent of TANF recipients' earnings after subtracting the standard work-related expense during the four-month period are disregarded. However, during the four-month period, the federal and state time limits are accruing. As proposed, S.B. 71 stops the state clock when clients are working a defined number of hours. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to any state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 31.0065, Human Resources Code, by adding Subsection (g), to require the Texas Department of Human Services, in computing time limits for financial assistance under Subsection (b), to exclude the period during which an employed recipient receives the earned income disregard. SECTION 2. Authorizes a state agency to delay implementing a provision of this Act until a requested federal waiver or authorization necessary to implement that provision is granted. SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2003.