Bill

HB 2523

85(R) - 2017
House Human Services
Senate Health & Human Services
House Human Services
Senate Health & Human Services
Health & Human Services

Vote Recommendation

Yes
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Positive
  • Neutral

Author(s)

Sarah Davis

Sponsor(s)

Van Taylor

Bill Caption

Relating to the investigation of fraud, waste, and abuse in certain public benefits programs by the office of inspector general for the Health and Human Services Commission.

Fiscal Notes

Depending upon the amount collected by the Office of Inspector General in certain public benefits program, there would be an indeterminate positive fiscal impact to the state.

Bill Analysis

This bill would allow the inspector general for the Health and Human Services Commission to employ peace officers to investigate fraud, waste, and abuse in the financial assistance program under Chapter 31 Human Resources Code, the SNAP benefits program, and the federal special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children. 

The Senate substituted this bill in committee adding the provision that at a quarterly meeting of any advisory council responsible for advising the executive commissioner on the operation of the commission, the inspector general would be required to submit a report to the commissioner, the governor, and the legislature on the amount of money recovered during the preceding quarter as a result of investigations. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

Giving oversight to the inspector general to investigate fraud and abuse in these programs is in keeping with our limited government principle since it promotes government efficiency and deters abuse of these programs. For these reasons, we support this bill.