By: Raymond, et al. (Senate Sponsor - Lucio) H.B. No. 749
(In the Senate - Received from the House April 22, 2013;
April 22, 2013, read first time and referred to Committee on
Agriculture, Rural Affairs, and Homeland Security; May 9, 2013,
rereferred to Committee on Government Organization; May 14, 2013,
reported favorably by the following vote: Yeas 5, Nays 0;
May 14, 2013, sent to printer.)
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to a plan to increase outcomes in the summer food service
program.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 12, Agriculture Code, is amended by
adding Section 12.00291 to read as follows:
Sec. 12.00291. PLAN TO INCREASE OUTCOMES IN SUMMER FOOD
SERVICE PROGRAM. (a) The department shall develop a five-year plan
in collaboration with Baylor University's Texas Hunger Initiative
and implement no-cost provisions to increase outcomes in the summer
food service program under 42 U.S.C. Section 1761. The plan must
include:
(1) methods to increase participation by children
eligible to receive free or reduced-price school lunches; and
(2) strategies to increase access to summer meals in
rural areas for children eligible to receive free or reduced-price
school lunches.
(b) In developing the plan, the department shall involve any
appropriate department advisory committee that already exists and
shall seek the participation of relevant stakeholders.
(c) Not later than November 1, 2014, the department shall
submit to the governor, lieutenant governor, speaker of the house
of representatives, and appropriate standing committees of the
legislature the plan to be implemented over the next four years.
(d) The department may solicit and accept a gift, grant, or
donation from any source, including a foundation or private entity,
for the development of the plan. The plan may be developed and
implemented only if sufficient funds are available under this
subsection for that purpose.
(e) This section expires September 1, 2018.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2013.
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