81R3689 KFF-D

By: Naishtat 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) The department shall enter into an interagency agreement with the Health and Human Services Commission to provide an automatic payment of $1 each year under the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program to each household that receives food stamp benefits under Chapter 33, Human Resources Code, if the household is not otherwise receiving assistance under the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

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 Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs shall begin making automatic payments under the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program to recipients of foods 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.