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.