| TO: | Honorable Richard Pena Raymond, Chair, House Committee on Human Services |
| FROM: | John S O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board |
| IN RE: | HB3397 by Allen (Relating to the eligibility of and requirements applicable to certain persons for supplemental nutrition assistance.), As Introduced |
The bill would remove the disqualification of individuals with certain drug-related convictions from Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits (previously known as the food stamp program). The bill would take effect on September 1, 2011.
If a state's legislature lifts the disqualification of applicants with a felony drug conviction, federal regulations will allow for a state to opt out of the otherwise federally-required provision. The Health and Human Services Commission anticipates there would be a slight increase in the number of individuals eligible for SNAP benefits and for referral to the Texas Workforce Commission for employment and training services. This analysis assumes duties and responsibilities associated with implementing the provisions of the bill could be accomplished by utilizing existing resources.
| Source Agencies: | 320 Texas Workforce Commission, 529 Health and Human Services Commission
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| LBB Staff: | JOB, CL, MB, ES, VJC, LI
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