SRC-ARR H.B. 985 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 985
76R3513 KKA-DBy: Maxey (Zaffirini)
Human Services
5/3/1999
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Texas currently enjoys efficient and secure delivery of governmental
benefits through electronic benefits transfer (EBT). EBT was implemented
statewide in 1995 for the food stamp and Temporary Assistance to Needy
Families (TANF) programs in the form of the Lone Star Card. This EBT/Lone
Star Card system has streamlined program administration, reduced the
illegal sale of food stamps, provided ease of service for clients, and
reduced system handling cost. However, state agencies are not currently
required to comply with the strategic guidelines adopted by the Interagency
Task Force on Electronic Benefits Transfers when delivering any proposed
public benefits. H.B. 985 would require a state agency to comply with
strategic guidelines in developing electronic benefits transfer systems. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 985 requires a state agency to comply with strategic
guidelines in developing electronic benefits transfer systems. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 531.045, Government Code, by adding Subsection
(i), to require a state agency that purposes to deliver public benefits
through electronic benefits transfers to comply with any strategic
guidelines adopted by the Interagency Task Force on Electronic Benefits
Transfers relating to the development and use of an electronic benefits
transfer system. 

SECTION 2. Emergency clause.
                      Effective date: upon passage.