89R888 SCP-F
By: Walle H.B. No. 740
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the eligibility of certain students enrolled in a
postsecondary educational institution 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 33.020 to read as follows:
Sec. 33.020. SNAP ELIGIBILITY OF CERTAIN STUDENTS ENROLLED
IN POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION PROGRAMS. (a) In this section,
"postsecondary educational institution" includes:
(1) an institution of higher education or a private or
independent institution of higher education, as those terms are
defined by Section 61.003, Education Code; and
(2) a career school or college, as defined by Section
132.001, Education Code.
(b) The executive commissioner shall adopt rules consistent
with federal law to provide supplemental nutrition assistance
program benefits to students enrolled in a postsecondary
educational institution. The rules must:
(1) identify the types of postsecondary degrees or
programs in which a student must be enrolled to qualify for the
benefits, including participation in any work placement or unpaid
internship associated with a postsecondary educational
institution; and
(2) ensure a student remains eligible for the benefits
during a break in the semester or academic term of the postsecondary
educational institution in which the student is enrolled.
(c) The executive commissioner shall establish a work group
to provide input for the adoption of rules under Subsection (b). In
adopting the rules, the executive commissioner shall consider the
work group's input.
(d) The work group must be composed of at least 9 but not
more than 13 members who are representatives of:
(1) postsecondary educational institutions; or
(2) nonprofit organizations that serve low-income
individuals, as defined by the executive commissioner.
(e) The executive commissioner shall:
(1) ensure work group members represent various types
of postsecondary educational institutions located throughout this
state; and
(2) appoint one work group member to serve as
presiding officer.
(f) The work group is automatically abolished on the
adoption of rules under Subsection (b).
(g) Subsections (c), (d), (e), and (f) and this subsection
expire September 1, 2027.
SECTION 2. (a) Not later than December 31, 2025, the
executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission
shall establish the work group required by Section 33.020, Human
Resources Code, as added by this Act.
(b) Not later than December 31, 2026, the executive
commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission shall
adopt the rules required by Section 33.020, Human Resources Code,
as added by 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, 2025.