88R4429 SCP-F
 
  By: West S.B. No. 557
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the eligibility of certain students enrolled in a
  postsecondary educational institution for the supplemental
  nutrition assistance program.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Subchapter A, Chapter 33, Human Resources Code,
  is amended by adding Section 33.020 to read as follows:
         Sec. 33.020.  SNAP ELIGIBILITY OF CERTAIN STUDENTS ENROLLED
  IN POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION PROGRAMS. (a) In this section,
  "postsecondary educational institution" includes:
               (1)  an institution of higher education or a private or
  independent institution of higher education as defined by Section
  61.003, Education Code; and
               (2)  a career school or college as defined by Section
  132.001, Education Code.
         (b)  The executive commissioner shall adopt rules consistent
  with federal law to provide supplemental nutrition assistance
  benefits to students enrolled in a postsecondary educational
  institution. The rules must:
               (1)  identify the types of postsecondary degrees or
  programs in which a student must be enrolled to qualify for
  supplemental nutrition assistance benefits, including
  participation in any work placement or unpaid internship associated
  with a postsecondary educational institution; and
               (2)  ensure a student remains eligible for supplemental
  nutrition assistance benefits during a break in the semester or
  academic term of the postsecondary educational institution in which
  the student is enrolled.
         (c)  The executive commissioner shall establish a work group
  to provide input for the adoption of rules under Subsection (b). In
  adopting the rules, the executive commissioner shall consider the
  work group's input.
         (d)  The work group is composed of at least 9 but not more
  than 13 members who are representatives of postsecondary
  educational institutions or nonprofit organizations that serve
  low-income individuals. The executive commissioner shall ensure
  members of the work group represent various types of postsecondary
  educational institutions located throughout this state.  The
  executive commissioner shall appoint one work group member to serve
  as presiding officer.
         (e)  The work group is automatically abolished on the
  adoption of rules under Subsection (b).
         (f)  Subsections (c), (d), and (e) and this subsection expire
  September 1, 2025.
         SECTION 2.  (a)  Not later than December 31, 2023, the
  executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission
  shall establish the work group required by Section 33.020, Human
  Resources Code, as added by this Act.
         (b)  Not later than December 31, 2024, the executive
  commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission shall
  adopt the rules required by Section 33.020, Human Resources Code,
  as added by this Act.
         SECTION 3.  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 4.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.