Relating to public assistance program fraud; creating a criminal offense.

HB 2734 creates a new criminal offense for intentionally making materially false written statements in applications for public assistance benefits. It directly affects individuals applying for programs like food assistance (SNAP), medical aid (Medicaid), child health plans, and financial assistance. The bill establishes tiered penalties: from a Class C misdemeanor for fraud under $100 up to a first-degree felony for fraud exceeding $300,000. The law amends Texas Penal Code Section 32.32 to explicitly include false statements in public assistance applications as punishable conduct.