By: Walle H.B. No. 2126       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to eligibility for the supplemental nutrition assistance   program and the provision of employment and training services under   the 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 Sections 33.0007 and 33.021 to read as follows:          Sec. 33.0007.  THIRD-PARTY SERVICE PROVIDERS OF SNAP   EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING SERVICES.  (a)  The Health and Human   Services Commission shall contract with one or more third-party   service providers to provide supplemental nutrition assistance   program employment and training services. The Health and Human   Services Commission shall prioritize contracting with a   third-party service provider that:                (1)  expands the types and varieties of those services   available to a recipient of supplemental nutrition assistance   benefits; and                (2)  has a demonstrated record of preparing individuals   for entry into workforce industries with a high demand for skilled   labor.          (b)  In contracting with a third-party service provider, the   Health and Human Services Commission, shall ensure the terms of the   contract are designed in a manner that maximizes this state's   receipt of all available federal matching money for supplemental   nutrition assistance program employment and training services.          Sec. 33.021.  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 executive commissioner shall adopt rules consistent   with federal law to provide supplemental nutrition assistance   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   supplemental nutrition assistance benefits, including   participation in any work placement or unpaid internship associated   with a postsecondary educational institution; and                (2)  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.          (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 is composed of at least 9 but not more   than 13 members who are representatives of:                (1)  postsecondary educational institutions; or                (2)  non-profit organizations serving low-income   individuals.          (e)  The executive commissioner shall ensure members of the   work group represent various types of postsecondary educational   institutions located throughout this state. The executive   commissioner shall 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, 2023.          SECTION 2.  (a)  Not later than December 31, 2021, the   executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission   shall establish the work group required by Section 33.021, Human   Resources Code, as added by this Act.          (b)  Not later than December 31, 2022, the executive   commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission shall   adopt the rules required by Section 33.021, 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, 2021.