Texas House Bill HB146

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

• Filed: 11/14/16

Caption

Relating to the use of supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits by electronic benefits transfer.

Impact

The implications of HB 146 extend to state law concerning the operational requirements for retailers participating in the SNAP program. It shifts some responsibility onto retailers to enforce identity verification at the point of sale. This could potentially lead to an increase in compliance costs and operational adjustments for retailers, especially smaller businesses that might find it burdensome to implement these verification measures. Additionally, the law will likely necessitate training for staff on the new requirements, encompassing how to handle scenarios where identity verification fails or where a patron is unable to present the prescribed documentation.

Summary

House Bill 146 proposes amendments to the Human Resources Code relating to the use of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits through electronic benefits transfer (EBT). The bill mandates that retailers who accept EBT must verify the identity of individuals using these benefits. This means that a recipient—or an authorized person—must present valid identification, which can include various forms of documentation such as a driver's license, school ID, or voter registration card, to make purchases. The intent behind this provision is to curb unauthorized use of SNAP benefits and ensure that only those entitled to use these resources can access them.

Contention

There may be notable points of contention surrounding HB 146, especially from advocacy groups focused on food security. Critics may argue that requiring identification could create barriers for vulnerable populations who rely on SNAP benefits. Individuals who do not possess the required forms of ID, such as the homeless or those without access to stable housing, may face challenges in utilizing their benefits. This aspect of the bill could spark debate on balancing integrity in administering benefits while ensuring accessibility for those who need assistance the most.