HBA-DMD H.B. 985 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 985
By: Maxey
Public Health
7/27/1999
Enrolled



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

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 costs.  However, prior to the 76th Legislature,
state agencies were not required  to comply with the strategic guidelines
adopted by the Interagency Task Force on Electronic Benefits Transfers
(task force) when delivering any proposed public benefits. H.B. 985
requires a state agency to comply with the guidelines adopted by the task
force when delivering any proposed public benefits. 

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.  Amends Section 531.045, Government Code, by adding Subsection
(i), to require a state agency proposing 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.