Texas House Bill HB3463

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to information provided to recipients of certain assistance programs.

Impact

The proposed legislation is set to amend existing provisions in the Government Code. Specifically, it adds Section 531.192, which requires the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to provide this information for the financial assistance program, medical assistance program, and supplemental nutrition assistance program. By doing so, it seeks to improve the overall communication and documentation process between state agencies and recipients, thereby fostering a more informed and engaged participant base in these programs.

Summary

House Bill 3463 focuses on enhancing transparency for recipients of certain state assistance programs in Texas. The bill mandates that, upon recertification of eligibility, recipients must be provided with detailed information regarding the total amount of benefits they received across specified programs in the last year. This initiative aims to ensure that recipients have a comprehensive understanding of their benefits and can make informed decisions based on their past assistance history.

Contention

While the bill is primarily designed to increase transparency, it could face scrutiny regarding the administrative burden it imposes on state agencies. Questions may arise regarding the feasibility of tracking and reporting this data consistently, especially given that compliance may require updates to existing systems. Additionally, there could be concerns from advocacy groups about how this information is presented and whether it might unintentionally discourage individuals from utilizing vital assistance programs due to perceived stigmas associated with benefit receipt.