88R9378 MM-D By: Walle H.B. No. 2836 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to eligibility for supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 33, Human Resources Code, is amended by adding Section 33.016 to read as follows: Sec. 33.016. PERIOD OF ELIGIBILITY OF CERTAIN PERSONS FOR SNAP BENEFITS. (a) The commission by rule shall ensure that an individual whose eligibility for supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits has been initially established or recertified remains eligible to receive those benefits for a period of 12 months. (b) The commission may adjust the eligibility period described by Subsection (a) as necessary to align an individual's recertification of eligibility for supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits with the redetermination of eligibility of a child residing in the same household for medical assistance program benefits under Chapter 32. (c) This section does not apply to an individual receiving supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits who: (1) at the time the individual's eligibility for benefits is initially established or recertified, expects a change in circumstances within six months following the establishment or recertification of eligibility that will make the individual ineligible to receive the benefits; (2) is 60 years of age or older or has a disability, has no earned income, and resides in a household in which every other individual residing in the household: (A) is 60 years of age or older or has a disability; and (B) has no earned income; or (3) resides in a household in which at least one individual: (A) is at least 18 years of age but younger than 50 years of age; (B) has no dependents; and (C) does not have a disability. SECTION 2. The change in law made by this Act applies to an initial determination or recertification of eligibility of an individual for the supplemental nutrition assistance program under Chapter 33, Human Resources Code, that is made on or after the effective date of this Act. SECTION 3. If before implementing any provision of this Act a state agency determines that a waiver or authorization from a federal agency is necessary for implementation of that provision, the agency affected by the provision shall request the waiver or authorization and may delay implementing that provision until the waiver or authorization is granted. SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.