BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 1218
86R3494 MM-D	By: Klick (Perry)
	Health & Human Services
	4/17/2019
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

There are concerns that the current schedule of supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) payments may be placing unintended strain on retailers and also leading to limited availability of products for SNAP recipients. H.B. 1218 seeks to provide for a more even schedule for the distribution of SNAP benefits each month over a 28-day period.

H.B. 1218 amends the Human Resources Code to require the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission (executive commissioner) by rule to establish a schedule for the distribution of SNAP benefits that ensures the even distribution of the benefits each month over a 28-day period. The bill requires the executive commissioner to adopt, modify, or repeal rules as necessary to implement that requirement not later than September 1, 2020. The distribution schedule adopted under the bill's provisions applies only to the distribution of SNAP benefits to a recipient whose initial determination of eligibility for those benefits is made on or after September 1, 2020.

H.B. 1218 amends current law relating to the distribution of benefits under the supplemental nutrition assistance program.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

Rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission in SECTION 1 (Section 33.002, Human Resources Code) of this bill.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 33.002, Human Resources Code, by adding Subsection (c-1) to require the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission (executive commissioner) by rule to establish a schedule for the distribution of supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits that ensures the even distribution of the benefits each month over a 28-day period.

SECTION 2. Requires the executive commissioner, not later than September 1, 2020, to adopt, modify, or repeal rules as necessary to implement Section 33.002(c-1), Human Resources Code, as added by this Act.

SECTION 3. Makes application of this Act prospective to September 1, 2020.

SECTION 4. Requires a state agency affected by any provision of this Act, if before implementing the provision the agency determines that a waiver or authorization from a federal agency is necessary for implementation of that provision, to request the waiver or authorization and may delay implementing that provision until the waiver or authorization is granted.

SECTION 5. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2019.