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No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.
The bill would amend Chapter 531 of the Government Code by requiring the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to establish a program under which faith-based and community-based organizations may, on the request of the applicant, contact and offer supplemental assistance to a person applying for financial assistance program, medical assistance program, supplemental nutrition assistance program, or child health plan program benefits. At the time a person applies for benefits, they would be required to be informed of the opportunity to enroll in the newly faith-based and community-based organization program.
A person
would be required to be informed of the opportunity to enroll at the time of
application for the aforementioned benefits.
If a state agency determines that a waiver or authorization
from a federal agency is necessary for implementation of a provision, the
affected agency would be required to request the waiver or authorization and
may delay implementing that provision until the waiver or authorization is
granted.
5/23/2015 update:
This bill is substantively the same as when we reported on it in its original chamber. We continue to remain neutral on HB 2718.
The second chamber sponsor is Senator Ellis.
First chamber recommendation:
Allowing faith-based groups to provide access to supplemental assistance for persons applying for benefits could potentially reduce the government’s financial burden by reducing the amount of personnel required. It could also open the door to an increased number of people applying for benefits. Due to these conflicting scenarios, we remain neutral.