HBA-DMD H.B. 1061 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 1061 By: Maxey Human Services 2/11/1999 Introduced BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The Texas Department of Human Services was required by the 74th Legislature to develop a program to deter welfare fraud by using a type of electronic fingerprinting-imaging or photo-imaging for adult and teen parent applicants and recipients of financial assistance. In 1996, a pilot program known as the Lone Star Imaging System (LSIS) was initiated in the San Antonio region. A thirdparty evaluation conducted by the LBJ School of Public Affairs concluded that the number of caseloads was not significantly reduced. The state spent $1.7 million in the first seven months of the program's operation, but the program did not yield significant savings in benefit payments. H.B. 1061 repeals the electronic fingerprint and photo-imaging program. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Repealer: Section 31.0325, Human Resources Code (Electronic Imaging Program) (which refers to an electronic imaging program that seeks to prevent welfare fraud by using a type of electronic fingerprinting-imaging or photo-imaging of adult and teen parent applicants and recipients of financial assistance). SECTION 2. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.