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79R490 UM-D

By:  Nelson                                                       S.B. No. 46 



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to a universal benefits issuance and identification card 
for health and human services programs.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Subchapter B, Chapter 531, Government Code, is 
amended by adding Section 531.080 to read as follows:
	Sec. 531.080.  UNIVERSAL SERVICES CARD.  (a)  The commission 
may develop and implement a universal services card or other method 
to consolidate recipient identification and benefits issuance for 
the commission and health and human services agencies if the 
commission determines that the implementation would be feasible and 
cost-effective.
	(b)  The universal services card or other method may:                   
		(1)  incorporate a biometric identifier to enable 
personal identity verification at a point of service and reduce 
fraud;
		(2)  enable immediate electronic verification of 
recipient eligibility; and
		(3)  replace multiple forms, cards, or other methods 
used for fraud reduction or provision of health and human services 
benefits, including:
			(A)  electronic benefits transfer cards; and                          
			(B)  smart cards used in the Medicaid program.                        
	SECTION 2.  (a)  Not later than January 1, 2006, the Health 
and Human Services Commission shall assess the feasibility and 
cost-effectiveness of using a universal services card or other 
method for consolidating recipient identification and benefits 
issuance for various health and human services programs, including:
		(1)  the financial assistance program under Chapter 31, 
Human Resources Code;
		(2)  the medical assistance program under Chapter 32, 
Human Resources Code; 
		(3)  the nutritional assistance programs under Chapter 
33, Human Resources Code; and
		(4)  the special supplemental nutrition program for 
women, infants, and children authorized by 42 U.S.C. Section 1786.
	(b)  In conducting the assessment, the commission may 
consider information obtained from:
		(1)  the Medicaid fraud reduction pilot program 
required by Section 531.1063, Government Code;
		(2)  the Texas Integrated Enrollment Services 
eligibility determination system; and
		(3)  the state's electronic benefits transfer system.                         
	(c)  The commission may require any health and human services 
agency and the Department of Information Resources to assist the 
commission in performing its duties under this section.
	SECTION 3.  Not later than July 1, 2006, the Health and Human 
Services Commission shall report the findings of the assessment 
required by Section 2 of this Act to the clerks of the standing 
committees of the senate and house of representatives having 
jurisdiction over health and human services issues.
	SECTION 4.  If before implementing any provision of this Act 
a state agency determines that a waiver or authorization from a 
federal agency is necessary for implementation of that provision, 
the agency affected by the provision shall request the waiver or 
authorization and may delay implementing that provision until the 
waiver or authorization is granted.
	SECTION 5.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives 
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as 
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this 
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this 
Act takes effect September 1, 2005.