Walle Bill’s College SNAP Rules Aren’t Due Until December 31, 2026

The text as introduced · 484 words

89R888 SCP-F

By: Walle
H.B. No. 740

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the eligibility of certain students enrolled in a

postsecondary educational institution for supplemental nutrition

assistance program benefits.

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 those terms are

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

program 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 the

benefits, including participation in any work placement or unpaid

internship associated with a postsecondary educational

institution; and

(2) ensure a student remains eligible for the 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 must be composed of at least 9 but not

more than 13 members who are representatives of:

(1) postsecondary educational institutions; or

(2) nonprofit organizations that serve low-income

individuals, as defined by the executive commissioner.

(e) The executive commissioner shall:

(1) ensure work group members represent various types

of postsecondary educational institutions located throughout this

state; and

(2) appoint one work group member to serve as

presiding officer.

(f) The work group is automatically abolished on the

adoption of rules under Subsection (b).

(g) Subsections (c), (d), (e), and (f) and this subsection

expire September 1, 2027.

SECTION 2. (a) Not later than December 31, 2025, 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, 2026, 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, 2025.