Bill

HB 620

84(R) - 2015
House Human Services
Read Bill & Check Bill Status
House Human Services
Health & Human Services

Vote Recommendation

Yes
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Positive
  • Neutral
  • Neutral

Author(s)

Greg Bonnen

Co-Author(s)

Mark Keough

Bill Caption

Relating to electronic benefits transfer cards used for recipients of benefits under certain assistance programs.

Fiscal Notes

Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for HB620, Committee Report 1st House, Substituted: a negative impact of ($7,038,197) through the biennium ending August 31, 2017. The bill would make no appropriation but could provide the legal basis for an appropriation of funds to implement the provisions of the bill.

No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

The bill would amend Chapter 531 of the Government Code by requiring the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to ensure a recipient's name and photograph is displayed on a person’s electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card for the purposes of the recipient receiving benefits under the financial assistance program or the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP).  

The Committee Substitute would amend the definition of SNAP to mean the definition under Section 33.0005 of the Human Resources Code instead of Section 33.051 of the Human Resources Code. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

Requiring the name and photograph to be on a recipient's EBT card would enhance accountability and discourage the misuse of a recipient's EBT card. We support HB 620 because it promotes our personal responsibility principle.