JEFFERSON COUNTY, Texas — A change is coming to how food stamps work in the state of Texas.
Although Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal program that allows families access to food stamps, each state can set different requirements for eligibility.
In Texas, the "Vehicle Asset Test" limits the value of vehicles a household may own to qualify for benefits.
The Texas Legislature recently passed House Bill 1287, which increases the limits to $22,500 for the household's primary car and $8,700 for any additional cars.
Previously, a $4,650 limit was set in 1973 and a $15,000 limit on the primary vehicle was last updated in 2001.
"Even at the newer values, we're talking about modest cars, cars that won't break down cars, that families need to get to work, to take their kids to school to go to doctor's appointments, you know, every now and then Texas, particularly people need to drive to get to work," said CEO of Feeding Texas, Celia Cole.
Feeding Texas is the largest hunger-relief organization in Texas. They reach over five million Texans annually with food and resources, according to their website.
In 2019, 134 Jefferson County residents were denied food stamps due to the high value of their cars.
In 2022, this number skyrocketed to 587, largely because of the increased value of used cars.
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This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.