HB740 - Relating to the eligibility of certain students enrolled in a postsecondary educational institution for supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits.

  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.