H.B. No. 3261
 
 
 
 
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.
 
 
  ______________________________ ______________________________
     President of the Senate Speaker of the House     
 
 
         I certify that H.B. No. 3261 was passed by the House on May
  11, 2007, by the following vote:  Yeas 139, Nays 0, 2 present, not
  voting.
 
  ______________________________
  Chief Clerk of the House   
 
 
         I certify that H.B. No. 3261 was passed by the Senate on May
  23, 2007, by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.
 
  ______________________________
  Secretary of the Senate    
  APPROVED:  _____________________
                     Date          
   
            _____________________
                   Governor