MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2019 Regular Session
To: Public Health and Human Services
By: Representative Scott
AN ACT TO PROVIDE THAT A RECIPIENT OF BENEFITS UNDER THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) SHALL NOT BE EXEMPT FROM THE WORK REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PROGRAM UNTIL AFTER THE RECIPIENT TAKES THE TEST OF ADULT BASIC EDUCATION (TABE) AND ACHIEVES A SCORE AT OR ABOVE THE 12TH GRADE LEVEL IN EACH CATEGORY; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:
SECTION 1. A recipient of benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) shall not be exempt from the work requirements for the program until after the recipient takes the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) and achieves a score at or above the 12th grade level in each category. During the time that the recipient is enrolled in a program of study for the TABE, the recipient is exempt from having to perform community service. If the recipient takes the TABE and scores below the 12th grade level in any category, the recipient must enroll in a community college in the state or in a program of study for the TABE, and then may take the TABE again. If the recipient does not achieve a score at or above the 12th grade level in each category on the TABE when taking it for the second time, the recipient will not be exempt from the work requirements for the SNAP program.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2019.