JKC H.B. 2508 75(R) 
BILL ANALYSIS


HUMAN SERVICES
H.B. 2508
By: Hilderbran
4-9-97
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND

Based on the Interim Report to the 75th Texas Legislature, Committee on
Human Services, one of the goals of H.B. 1863 is to reduce welfare fraud.
A pilot project to utilize finger-imaging technology would assist
legislators in determining whether the project merits the $15-18 million
in appropriations necessary to expand the project statewide.  

PURPOSE

This bill requires the Texas Department of Human Services (TDHS) to
conduct a study and implement a pilot project regarding finger-imaging
which would replace personal identification numbers (PIN) in the
electronic benefits transfer (EBT) program. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any
additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency or
institution. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.TDHS, in cooperation with the comptroller, is required to
conduct a study and implement a pilot project on the use of finger-imaging
in the electronic benefits transfer program.  The study must examine the
most effective method, the required equipment and technology, the system
design and the appropriate pilot sites for finger-imaging.  Based on the
study and advice from the Electronic Benefit Transfer Merchant Advisory
Committee TDHS is directed to develop and implement a pilot project, at no
cost to participating retailers, using only private and federal funds. 

TDHS must submit an interim report on the project to the comptroller by
September 1, 1998. By February 1, 1999, TDHS must submit  a report to the
governor, the lieutenant governor, and the speaker of the house of
representatives on the feasibility of statewide use of finger-imaging in
the EBT program. 


SECTION 2.Effective Date: September 1, 1997; Expiration Date: September 1,
1999. 


SECTION 3.Emergency clause.