Bill > HB1999

This bill modifies eligibility rules for financial assistance and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Texas by removing certain criminal conviction-related restrictions. Specifically, the bill authorizes state agencies to disregard a specific federal statute (21 U.S.C. Section 862a(a)) that previously limited benefits for individuals with certain drug-related criminal convictions. The bill repeals previous subsections related to these restrictions and clarifies that these changes will only apply to new or renewed benefit eligibility determinations made on or after September 1, 2025. The legislation allows state agencies to request federal waivers if needed for implementation and includes a provision that permits agencies to delay implementation until such authorization is granted. This change effectively expands access to financial assistance and SNAP benefits for individuals who might have been previously ineligible due to past drug-related criminal convictions, reflecting a policy shift towards reducing barriers to essential support programs for individuals with criminal justice involvement.

Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB1999