81R3689 KFF-D
By: Naishtat H.B. No. 1627
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program payments to
assist certain households receiving food stamp benefits.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 2306.097, Government Code, is amended to
read as follows:
Sec. 2306.097. ENERGY SERVICES PROGRAM FOR LOW-INCOME
INDIVIDUALS. (a) The Energy Services Program for Low-Income
Individuals shall operate in conjunction with the community
services block grant program and has jurisdiction and
responsibility for administration of the following elements of the
State Low-Income Energy Assistance Program, from whatever sources
funded:
(1) the Energy Crisis Intervention Program;
(2) the weatherization program; and
(3) the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
(b) The department shall enter into an interagency
agreement with the Health and Human Services Commission to provide
an automatic payment of $1 each year under the Low-Income Home
Energy Assistance Program to each household that receives food
stamp benefits under Chapter 33, Human Resources Code, if the
household is not otherwise receiving assistance under the
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
SECTION 2. (a) Not later than November 1, 2009, the Texas
Department of Housing and Community Affairs and the Health and
Human Services Commission shall enter into the interagency
agreement required by Section 2306.097(b), Government Code, as
added by this Act.
(b) Not later than December 1, 2009, the Texas Department of
Housing and Community Affairs shall begin making automatic payments
under the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program to recipients
of foods stamp benefits under Chapter 33, Human Resources Code, as
required under Section 2306.097(b), Government Code, as added by
this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2009.