SRC-MKV C.S.H.B. 102 77(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterC.S.H.B. 102
77R15079 CLG-FBy: Maxey (Moncrief)
Health & Human Services
5/4/2001
Committee Report (Substituted)


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Under the current electronic imaging program, all adult recipients of food
stamps and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) have the prints
of their index fingers scanned and the print stored to prevent duplication
of services.  This includes seniors and persons with disabilities.  Seniors
and persons with disabilities are the least likely to defraud the Food
Stamp Program, and the most likely to have difficulties getting to a Food
Stamp office to be certified for benefits.  C.S.H.B. 102 allows the
Department of Human Services to establish criteria exempting an elderly or
disabled person, for whom compliance with finger imaging would cause an
undue burden. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

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

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 31.0325, Human Resources Code, as follows:

Sec. 31.0325.  ELECTRONIC IMAGING PROGRAM.  (a) Adds language to require
the electronic imaging program to be used for food stamp benefits under
Chapter 33. 

(b) Adds language to require the Texas Department of Human Services
(department), in adopting rules under this section, to provide for an
exemption from the electronic imaging requirements of Subsection (a) for a
person who is elderly or disabled if the department determines that
compliance with those requirements would cause an undue burden to the
person, and establish criteria for an exemption under Subdivision (1).
Makes conforming changes. 

SECTION 2.  Requires a state agency affected by a provision of this Act to
request a waiver or authorization and authorizes the agency to delay
implementing that provision until the waiver or authorization is granted,
if the agency determines before implementing any provision of this Act that
a waiver or authorization from a federal agency is necessary. 

SECTION 3.  Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2001.

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES

Differs from original in SECTION 1 by eliminating the repealer which would
have repealed Section 31.0325 (Electronic Imaging Program), Human Resources
Code, and replacing it with a new SECTION 1 which amends Section 31.0325,
Human Resources Code.