BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	C.S.H.B. 2335
86R31985 MM-D	By: Walle et al. (Kolkhorst)
	Health & Human Services
	5/19/2019
	Committee Report (Substituted)

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

It has been reported that in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), which is responsible for administering the federal program to provide supplemental nutrition assistance (SNAP) benefits to disaster victims in Texas, experienced difficulties in finding sites that met federal requirements for the in-person application process for such SNAP benefits. H.B. 2335 seeks to address this issue by requiring HHSC to coordinate with county judges to evaluate, develop, and maintain a list of potential sites that will allow localities to more rapidly deploy benefits after a natural disaster. (Original Author's/Sponsor's Statement of Intent)

C.S.H.B. 2335 amends current law relating to the disaster supplemental nutrition assistance program.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter A, Chapter 33, Human Resources Code, by adding Section 33.0024, as follows:

Sec. 33.0024. DISASTER SNAP. (a) Defines "program" to mean the program to provide supplemental nutrition assistance benefits to victims of a disaster as authorized by 7 U.S.C. Section 2014.

(b) Requires the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to:

(1) in collaboration with local government officials:

(A) create a directory of local points of contact for the operation of the program;

(B) determine the best method for communication between HHSC and local government officials regarding the program; and

(C) evaluate, develop, and maintain a list of potential sites for in‑person application for program benefits that meet federal requirements; and

(2) enter into memorandums of understanding with local government agencies documenting the roles and responsibilities of HHSC and each local government agency regarding the determination of the need for the location of sites for in-person application benefits; and

(3) provide information regarding the program and strategies for effective collaboration between local government and HHSC to local government officials in coastal counties by hosting webinars, conducting conference calls, or holding in-person meetings.

SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2019.