PILOT PROGRAM TO INCENTIVIZE PURCHASE OF TEXAS-GROWN FRUITS OR VEGETABLES UNDER SNAP

(a) In this section:

(1) "Eligible fruits or vegetables" means any variety of fresh, canned, dried, or frozen whole or cut fruits or vegetables:

(A) with no added sugars, fats, oils, or salt; and

(B) that are produced or harvested in this state.

(2) "Incentive" means a financial benefit provided to a recipient of supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits that encourages the recipient to purchase eligible fruits or vegetables.

(3) "Pilot program" means the pilot program described by Subsection (b).

(4) "Retailer" has the meaning assigned by Section 33.0023 .

(b) The commission, in consultation with the work group established under Subsection (c), may establish a pilot program in one or more geographic areas of this state through which:

(1) a recipient of supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits is able to receive an incentive when purchasing eligible fruits or vegetables from a retailer that may be used toward a subsequent purchase of eligible fruits or vegetables; and

(2) a retailer is authorized to publicize the incentive to recipients of supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits.

(c) The commission shall establish a work group to assist the commission with the study described by Section 33.036 and, as applicable, provide input for the establishment of the pilot program. The work group must be composed of relevant stakeholders from rural and urban areas throughout this state who have expertise in providing incentives under the supplemental nutrition assistance program. At least one member of the work group must have direct marketing representative experience in operating a comparable program.

(d) The executive commissioner shall appoint one member of the work group to serve as presiding officer.

(e) The work group is not subject to Chapter 2110 , Government Code.

(f) A member of the work group may not receive compensation for serving on the work group and may not be reimbursed for travel or other expenses incurred while conducting the business of the work group.

(h) The commission may solicit and accept gifts, grants, and donations from any source to establish and administer the pilot program or to perform any other duty under this section.

(i) If the commission establishes the pilot program under this section, the commission, with assistance from the work group, shall:

(1) develop and the executive commissioner shall submit any necessary applications to obtain a federal waiver to operate the pilot program; and

(2) apply for any available federal money to operate the program, including federal nutrition incentives available under Section 4205, Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (7 U.S.C. Section 7517).

(j) The commission may delay the operation of the pilot program, as applicable, until the commission receives federal money to operate the program or until money is appropriated or donated to the commission to operate the program. Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 655 (S.B. 1834 ), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2019.