89R2981 SCF-D     By: Howard H.B. No. 820       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to the eligibility of certain students enrolled in a   postsecondary educational institution for the supplemental   nutrition assistance program.          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 defined by Section   61.003, Education Code; and                (2)  a career school or college as defined by Section   132.001, Education Code.          (b)  The commission shall, as authorized under 7 U.S.C.   Section 2015(o)(6), provide an exemption from work requirements to   provide supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits to an   individual who is enrolled at least half-time as a student in a   postsecondary educational institution and:                (1)  is eligible to participate in a state or federally   funded work study program during the regular academic year, as   determined by the postsecondary educational institution; or                (2)  in the current academic year, has an expected   family contribution of $0, as determined in accordance with Part F,   Title IV, of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. Section   1087kk et seq.).          (c)  The executive commissioner shall adopt rules to   implement this section, including rules that ensure a student   remains eligible for supplemental nutrition assistance benefits   during a break in the semester or academic term of the postsecondary   educational institution in which the student is enrolled.          SECTION 2.  As soon as practicable after the effective date   of this Act, the executive commissioner of the Health and Human   Services Commission shall adopt the rules necessary to implement   Section 33.020, Human Resources Code, as added by this Act.          SECTION 3.  Section 33.020, Human Resources Code, as added   by this Act, applies only to an initial determination or   recertification of eligibility for the supplemental nutrition   assistance program under Chapter 33, Human Resources Code, that is   made on or after the effective date of this Act. A determination or   recertification made before the effective date of this Act is   governed by the law in effect on the date the determination or   recertification was made, and the former law is continued in effect   for that purpose.          SECTION 4.  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 5.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.