| TO: | Honorable Richard Peña Raymond, Chair, House Committee on Human Services |
| FROM: | Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board |
| IN RE: | HB3845 by Rodriguez, Eddie (Relating to the financial stability of recipients of the supplemental nutrition assistance program.), As Introduced |
The bill would amend Chapter 33 of the Human Resources Code by adding a section to direct the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to disregard the value of all liquid resources and vehicles upon determining initial eligibility and recertification of households for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The bill does not include an effective date, but it is assumed to become effective 90 days after the conclusion of the legislative session. In addition, it is assumed the provision of the bill would only apply to new applicants or recertification on or after the effective date of the bill.
HHSC indicates there would be an increased caseload as a result of implementing the bill, but any staffing needs to handle the additional caseload would be offset by efficiencies realized in the eligibility process for not having to verify certain liquid resources. All SNAP benefits are federally funded; there would be no additional cost to the state for the increased number of recipients receiving benefits. HHSC estimates there would be a minimal cost associated with technology modifications in the eligibility system.
| Source Agencies: | 529 Health and Human Services Commission
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| LBB Staff: | UP, CL, ES, VJC
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