By: Chavez (Senate Sponsor - Nelson) H.B. No. 3261

(In the Senate - Received from the House May 14, 2007; May 15, 2007, read first time and referred to Committee on Health and Human Services; May 18, 2007, reported favorably by the following vote: Yeas 7, Nays 0; May 18, 2007, sent to printer.)

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the use of electronic signatures in the administration of health and human services programs.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. It is the intent of the legislature that the Health and Human Services Commission use digital or electronic technology, to the greatest extent feasible, to reduce paper transactions, streamline processes, and promote provider participation and client access to services, including the submission of applications, the determination of eligibility, and requests for recertification, redetermination, and appeals.

SECTION 2. Section 531.0055, Government Code, is amended by adding Subsection (m) to read as follows:

(m) The executive commissioner shall establish standards for the use of electronic signatures in accordance with the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (Chapter 43, Business & Commerce Code), with respect to any transaction, as defined by Section 43.002, Business & Commerce Code, in connection with the administration of health and human services programs.

SECTION 3. This Act takes effect on September 1, 2007.

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