Sec. 531.02482. FAITH- AND COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATION SUPPORT FOR CERTAIN PERSONS RECEIVING PUBLIC ASSISTANCE. (a) In this section, "community-based organization" and "faith-based organization" have the meanings assigned by Section 535.001.

(b) The commission shall establish a program under which faith- and community-based organizations may, on the request of the applicant, contact and offer supplemental assistance to an applicant for benefits under:

(1) the financial assistance program under Chapter 31, Human Resources Code;

(2) the medical assistance program under Chapter 32, Human Resources Code;

(3) the supplemental nutrition assistance program under Chapter 33, Human Resources Code; or

(4) the child health plan program under Chapter 62, Health and Safety Code.

(c) At the time of application for benefits described by Subsection (b), an applicant must:

(1) be informed about and given the opportunity to enroll in the program; and

(2) be informed that enrolling in the program will not affect the person's eligibility for benefits.

(d) The commission shall develop a procedure under which faith- and community-based organizations may apply to participate in the program.

(e) The executive commissioner shall adopt rules to implement the program established under this section, including rules that:

(1) describe the types of faith- and community-based organizations that may apply to participate in the program and the qualifications and standards of service required of a participating organization;

(2) facilitate contact between a person who enrolls in the program and a faith- and community-based organization participating in the program that provides supplemental services that may be of assistance to the person;

(3) establish processes for the suspension, revocation, and periodic renewal of an organization's participation in the program, as appropriate;

(4) establish methods to ensure the confidentiality and appropriate use of applicant information shared with a participating organization; and

(5) permit a person enrolled in the program to terminate the person's enrollment in the program.

(f) In establishing the program, the commission may solicit expertise and assistance from interested persons, including faith- and community-based organizations, and may establish a temporary work group to provide input and assistance. This subsection expires, and any work group established under this subsection is abolished, September 1, 2017.

Added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1091 (H.B. 2718), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2016.