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  H.B. No. 1218
 
 
 
 
AN ACT
  relating to the distribution of benefits under the supplemental
  nutrition assistance program.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Section 33.002, Human Resources Code, is amended
  by adding Subsection (c-1) to read as follows:
         (c-1)  The executive commissioner by rule shall 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.  Not later than September 1, 2020, the executive
  commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission shall
  adopt, modify, or repeal rules as necessary to implement Section
  33.002(c-1), Human Resources Code, as added by this Act.
         SECTION 3.  A distribution schedule adopted as required by
  Section 33.002(c-1), Human Resources Code, as added by this Act,
  applies only to the distribution of supplemental nutrition
  assistance program benefits to a recipient whose initial
  determination of eligibility under Chapter 33, Human Resources
  Code, for those benefits is made on or after September 1, 2020. The
  distribution of benefits to a recipient whose initial determination
  of eligibility under Chapter 33, Human Resources Code, is made
  before September 1, 2020, is governed by the distribution schedule
  in effect immediately preceding that date, and the former law is
  continued in effect for that purpose.
         SECTION 4.  If before implementing any provision of this Act
  a state agency determines that a waiver or authorization from a
  federal agency is necessary for implementation of that provision,
  the agency affected by the provision shall request the waiver or
  authorization and may delay implementing that provision until the
  waiver or authorization is granted.
         SECTION 5.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
  a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
  provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this
  Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
  Act takes effect September 1, 2019.
 
 
  ______________________________ ______________________________
     President of the Senate Speaker of the House     
 
 
         I certify that H.B. No. 1218 was passed by the House on March
  26, 2019, by the following vote:  Yeas 148, Nays 0, 1 present, not
  voting.
 
  ______________________________
  Chief Clerk of the House   
 
 
         I certify that H.B. No. 1218 was passed by the Senate on May
  10, 2019, by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.
 
  ______________________________
  Secretary of the Senate    
  APPROVED:  _____________________
                     Date          
   
            _____________________
                   Governor