By: Schaefer H.B. No. 1973
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to electronic benefits transfer cards used for recipients
of benefits under certain assistance 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 531.0911 to read as follows:
Sec. 531.0911. PHOTOGRAPH AND OTHER INFORMATION ON CERTAIN
ELECTRONIC BENEFITS TRANSFER CARDS. (a) In this section:
(1) "Financial assistance program" means the
financial assistance program established under Chapter 31, Human
Resources Code.
(2) "Recipient" means a person who receives benefits
under the financial assistance program or the supplemental
nutrition assistance program.
(3) "Supplemental nutrition assistance program" has
the meaning assigned by Section 33.051, Human Resources Code.
(b) The commission shall ensure that the front side of each
electronic benefits transfer card used by a recipient, or other
person authorized on the recipient's account, for purposes of
receiving benefits under the financial assistance program or the
supplemental nutrition assistance program displays:
(1) the name and photograph of the recipient or other
authorized person, as appropriate;
(2) the words "Fraud Hotline" followed by the
telephone number of the commission's toll-free hotline for
reporting suspected fraud required under Section 531.108(b)(2);
(3) the Internet website address maintained by the
commission for the purpose of allowing persons to report suspected
fraud in either the financial assistance program or the
supplemental nutrition assistance program; and
(4) the statement "Funds provided by American
taxpayers."
SECTION 2. Not later than September 1, 2016, the Health and
Human Services Commission shall ensure that electronic benefits
transfer cards used on or after that date to deliver benefits to
recipients under the financial assistance program under Chapter 31,
Human Resources Code, and the supplemental nutrition assistance
program under Chapter 33, Human Resources Code, conform to Section
531.0911, Government Code, as added by this Act.
SECTION 3. 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.
SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2015.