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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to a consolidated eligibility screening process for |
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benefits under certain assistance programs. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Subchapter B, Chapter 531, Government Code, is |
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amended by adding Section 531.024183 to read as follows: |
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Sec. 531.024183. CONSOLIDATED SCREENING FOR ASSISTANCE |
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PROGRAMS. (a) The executive commissioner shall ensure that |
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commission employees who conduct eligibility screenings for |
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assistance programs use a consolidated eligibility screening |
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procedure for an individual who personally appears at a commission |
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office to apply for benefits on behalf of the individual or the |
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individual's child. The consolidated screening must allow for an |
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eligibility screening for each of the following programs: |
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(1) the child health plan program; |
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(2) the financial assistance program under Chapter 31, |
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Human Resources Code; |
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(3) Medicaid; and |
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(4) the supplemental nutrition assistance program |
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under Chapter 33, Human Resources Code. |
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(b) The procedure must ensure that an individual who is |
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identified through the screening as eligible for an assistance |
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program is assisted in applying for and enrolling in the program for |
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which the individual or the individual's child is eligible. |
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SECTION 2. Section 62.104(a), Health and Safety Code, is |
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amended to read as follows: |
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(a) The executive commissioner shall develop eligibility |
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screening and enrollment procedures for children that comply with |
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the requirements of 42 U.S.C. Section 1397bb, as amended, Section |
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531.024183, Government Code, and any other applicable law or |
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regulations. The procedures shall ensure that Medicaid-eligible |
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children are identified and referred to the Medicaid program. |
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SECTION 3. 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. |