Texas Senate Bill SB1321

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to asset exclusions in the determination of eligibility for financial assistance benefits for certain persons.

Impact

The proposed changes under SB1321 specifically exclude $5,000 of a grandparent's household resources and limit the value of any motor vehicle ownership interest to $7,000 from the eligibility calculations for benefits. These changes are designed to provide a financial cushion, acknowledging that many grandparents may not have sufficient means while still caring for dependent children. This will aid in ensuring that more grandparents can receive the assistance they may require to support their grandchildren.

Summary

SB1321 aims to amend the Texas Human Resources Code to alter the determination of eligibility for financial assistance benefits specifically for grandparents applying on behalf of dependent children. The bill introduces new asset exclusions that allow grandparents to disregard certain amounts of resources when assessing eligibility for assistance programs. These provisions aim to consider the unique financial situations of grandparents who may be caring for their grandchildren, thus helping them access necessary financial resources more effectively.

Contention

While the bill addresses important needs for grandparents and their grandchildren, there may be concerns regarding the implications of these asset exclusions on state resources and how they align with the overall goals of financial assistance programs. Questions may arise about whether these exclusions could lead to increased demands on state funding and whether they are appropriate in the broader context of eligibility for financial aid. The balance between adequately supporting families and ensuring responsible use of state resources will likely continue to be a point of discussion as the bill moves through legislative processes.