Bill Caption

Relating to eligibility for certain benefits provided under public assistance programs. 

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. 

Bill Analysis

SB 1341 would require the Health and Human Services Commission to develop and implement methods for reducing abuse, fraud, and waste in public assistance programs by:

• conducting electronic data matches with the Texas Lottery Commission;
• using the Medicaid data collection database system to match vital statistics unit death records with a list of individuals eligible for assistance; and
• reviewing the out-of-state electronic benefit transfer card transactions. 

If any information affecting a person's eligibility for relevant public benefits is found during this process, the commission would be required to immediately review the recipient's eligibility. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

SB 1341 represents a charge for HHS to constantly check and ensure that they are delivering public assistance benefits effectively while also rooting out fraud and abuse. SB 1341 would benefit the principle of limited government. Texas Action supports SB 1341.