bill waiving the SNAP work requirement for some college students

The text as introduced · 456 words

89R2981 SCF-D

By: Howard
H.B. No. 820

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 commission shall, as authorized under 7 U.S.C.

Section 2015(o)(6), provide an exemption from work requirements to

provide supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits to an

individual who is enrolled at least half-time as a student in a

postsecondary educational institution and:

(1) is eligible to participate in a state or federally

funded work study program during the regular academic year, as

determined by the postsecondary educational institution; or

(2) in the current academic year, has an expected

family contribution of $0, as determined in accordance with Part F,

Title IV, of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. Section

1087kk et seq.).

(c) The executive commissioner shall adopt rules to

implement this section, including rules that 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.

SECTION 2. As soon as practicable after the effective date

of this Act, the executive commissioner of the Health and Human

Services Commission shall adopt the rules necessary to implement

Section 33.020, Human Resources Code, as added by this Act.

SECTION 3. Section 33.020, Human Resources Code, as added

by this Act, applies only to an initial determination or

recertification of eligibility for the supplemental nutrition

assistance program under Chapter 33, Human Resources Code, that is

made on or after the effective date of this Act. A determination or

recertification made before the effective date of this Act is

governed by the law in effect on the date the determination or

recertification was made, 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 September 1, 2025.