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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to the distribution of benefits under the supplemental |
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nutrition assistance program. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Section 33.002, Human Resources Code, is amended |
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by adding Subsection (c-1) to read as follows: |
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(c-1) The executive commissioner by rule shall establish a |
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schedule for the distribution of supplemental nutrition assistance |
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program benefits that ensures the even distribution of the benefits |
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each month over a 28-day period. |
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SECTION 2. Not later than September 1, 2020, the executive |
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commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission shall |
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adopt, modify, or repeal rules as necessary to implement Section |
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33.002(c-1), Human Resources Code, as added by this Act. |
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SECTION 3. A distribution schedule adopted as required by |
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Section 33.002(c-1), Human Resources Code, as added by this Act, |
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applies only to the distribution of supplemental nutrition |
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assistance program benefits to a recipient whose initial |
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determination of eligibility under Chapter 33, Human Resources |
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Code, for those benefits is made on or after September 1, 2020. The |
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distribution of benefits to a recipient whose initial determination |
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of eligibility under Chapter 33, Human Resources Code, is made |
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before September 1, 2020, is governed by the distribution schedule |
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in effect immediately preceding that date, and the former law is |
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continued in effect for that purpose. |
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SECTION 4. If before implementing any provision of this Act |
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a state agency determines that a waiver or authorization from a |
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federal agency is necessary for implementation of that provision, |
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the agency affected by the provision shall request the waiver or |
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authorization and may delay implementing that provision until the |
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waiver or authorization is granted. |
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SECTION 5. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives |
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a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as |
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provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this |
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Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this |
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Act takes effect September 1, 2019. |