81R27269 KFF-D

By: Naishtat, Walle H.B. No. 1627

Substitute the following for H.B. No. 1627:

By: Rose C.S.H.B. No. 1627

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program payments to assist certain households receiving food stamp benefits.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Section 2306.097, Government Code, is amended to read as follows:

Sec. 2306.097. ENERGY SERVICES PROGRAM FOR LOW-INCOME INDIVIDUALS. (a) The Energy Services Program for Low-Income Individuals shall operate in conjunction with the community services block grant program and has jurisdiction and responsibility for administration of the following elements of the State Low-Income Energy Assistance Program, from whatever sources funded:

(1) the Energy Crisis Intervention Program;

(2) the weatherization program; and

(3) the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

(b) Subject to applicable state and federal law, the department shall enter into an interagency agreement with the Health and Human Services Commission to provide a payment of $1 each year under the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program to each household that receives food stamp benefits under the food stamp program administered under Chapter 33, Human Resources Code, if the household is not otherwise receiving a standard utility allowance under the food stamp program and if the payment will likely result in an increase in the household's food stamp benefits. The interagency agreement entered into under this subsection must:

(1) specify that the commission will issue the payments;

(2) require the department to transfer to the commission funds, including sufficient administrative funds, to provide the payments; and

(3) specify the method that the commission will use for providing the payments.

SECTION 2. (a) Not later than November 1, 2009, the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs and the Health and Human Services Commission shall enter into the interagency agreement required by Section 2306.097(b), Government Code, as added by this Act.

(b) Not later than December 1, 2009, the Health and Human Services Commission shall begin making payments under the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program to recipients of food stamp benefits under Chapter 33, Human Resources Code, as required under Section 2306.097(b), Government Code, as added by this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2009.