By Hilderbran H.B. No. 2508 75R8711 SAW-F A BILL TO BE ENTITLED 1-1 AN ACT 1-2 relating to a study and a pilot project related to the use of 1-3 finger-imaging in the electronic benefits transfer program. 1-4 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: 1-5 SECTION 1. (a) The Texas Department of Human Services 1-6 shall, in cooperation with the comptroller, conduct a study and 1-7 implement a pilot project related to the use of finger-imaging to 1-8 replace the use of personal identification numbers in the 1-9 electronic benefits transfer program. 1-10 (b) The study shall examine: 1-11 (1) the most effective method of using finger-imaging 1-12 at the point of access to electronic benefits; 1-13 (2) the equipment and technology required to use 1-14 finger-imaging; 1-15 (3) system design for using finger-imaging; and 1-16 (4) appropriate pilot sites. 1-17 (c) On the basis of the study, the department shall develop 1-18 a pilot project. The department shall implement the pilot project: 1-19 (1) at no cost to retailers who participate in the 1-20 project; 1-21 (2) with advice from the Electronic Benefit Transfer 1-22 Merchant Advisory Committee; and 1-23 (3) using only private and federal funds. 1-24 (d) Not later than September 1, 1998, the department shall 2-1 submit to the comptroller an interim report on the pilot project. 2-2 (e) Not later than February 1, 1999, the department shall 2-3 submit to the governor, the lieutenant governor, and the speaker of 2-4 the house of representatives a report on the feasibility of 2-5 statewide use of finger-imaging in the electronic benefits transfer 2-6 program. 2-7 SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 1997, and 2-8 expires September 1, 1999. 2-9 SECTION 3. The importance of this legislation and the 2-10 crowded condition of the calendars in both houses create an 2-11 emergency and an imperative public necessity that the 2-12 constitutional rule requiring bills to be read on three several 2-13 days in each house be suspended, and this rule is hereby suspended.