Sec. 33.036. STUDY ON EXISTING PROGRAMS THAT INCENTIVIZE PURCHASE OF TEXAS-GROWN FRUITS OR VEGETABLES UNDER SNAP. (a) In this section, "eligible fruits or vegetables" and "incentive" have the meanings assigned by Section 33.035.

(b) The commission, in consultation with the work group established under Section 33.035, shall conduct a study on programs in this state that provide incentives for the purchase of eligible fruits or vegetables under the supplemental nutrition assistance program. The study must include:

(1) an inventory of existing programs that provide incentives for the purchase of eligible fruits or vegetables under the supplemental nutrition assistance program, including details on how the programs are funded;

(2) recommendations on increasing the number and availability of programs in this state that provide incentives for the purchase of eligible fruits or vegetables under the supplemental nutrition assistance program; and

(3) an analysis of:

(A) strategies to encourage the purchase of eligible fruits or vegetables using supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits;

(B) the potential impact of programs in this state that provide incentives for the purchase of eligible fruits or vegetables on the specialty crop industry in this state; and

(C) federal programs and money available to encourage the purchase of eligible fruits or vegetables using supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits, including the Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive (FINI) Grant Program operated by the United States Department of Agriculture.

(c) The commission may solicit and accept gifts, grants, and donations from any source to conduct the study.

(d) Not later than December 1, 2020, the commission shall prepare and submit to the governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and each standing committee of the legislature having primary jurisdiction over health and human services a written report that summarizes the commission's findings under Subsection (b) and recommendations for legislative or other action.

(e) This section expires September 1, 2021.

Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 655 (S.B. 1834), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2019.