| TO: | Honorable Jane Nelson, Chair, Senate Committee on Health & Human Services |
| FROM: | John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board |
| IN RE: | HB1433 by Laubenberg (Relating to audits, investigations, and reviews conducted by the Health and Human Services Commission's office of inspector general.), As Engrossed |
Section 1 of the bill would amend Section 531.102, Government Code to allow the inspector general of the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to employ commissioned peace officers as investigators for the purpose of carrying out the duties of the inspector general. These staff would not be entitled to supplemental benefits from the law enforcement and custodial officer supplemental retirement fund under Title 8. There are also changes to the scope of required reporting.
Section 2 of the bill would amend Section 531.1021(a), Government Code, by allowing the inspector general to directly issue a subpoena in connection with an investigation by the office. The bill would remove commissioner approval of such subpoenas.
Sections 3 and 4 deal with interagency coordination with the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) and reporting by the OIG. Section 5 describes OIG cooperation with the State Auditor (SAO).
Section 6 would amend Article 2.12, Code of Criminal Procedure, by correcting titles of certain boards and agencies. Article 2.12 (35) would add a new category of peace officers employed or commissioned by the office of inspector general under Subchapter C, Chapter 531, Government Code.
The bill would take effect September 1, 2007.
The HHSC, OAG and SAO all indicate that the additional workload that may result from passage of the bill can be absorbed using existing resources.
| Source Agencies: | 302 Office of the Attorney General, 308 State Auditor's Office, 529 Health and Human Services Commission
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| LBB Staff: | JOB, CL, MN, PP, MB
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