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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to the creation of the office of inspector general within |
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the governor's office. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Subtitle B, Title 4, Government Code, is amended |
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by adding Chapter 422 to read as follows: |
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CHAPTER 422. OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL |
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Sec. 422.001. DEFINITION. In this chapter, "office" means |
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the office of inspector general established under this chapter. |
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Sec. 422.002. OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL. The office of |
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inspector general is a division within the office of the governor. |
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Sec. 422.003. GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES. (a) The office is |
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responsible for the investigation of fraudulent insurance acts, |
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including Medicaid fraud and fraud under the workers' compensation |
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system, in this state. |
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(b) The office shall: |
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(1) report to and perform duties as directed by the |
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governor; and |
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(2) provide assistance to: |
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(A) inspectors general of state agencies who have |
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jurisdiction over insurance; and |
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(B) the insurance fraud unit of the Texas |
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Department of Insurance. |
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Sec. 422.004. CONTRACTS FOR INVESTIGATIVE SERVICES. The |
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inspector general may contract with certified public accountants, |
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qualified management consultants, or other professional experts as |
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necessary to independently perform investigative services. |
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Sec. 422.005. GENERAL POWERS. The office has all the powers |
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necessary or appropriate to carry out its responsibilities and |
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functions under this chapter. |
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Sec. 422.006. COOPERATION WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS |
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AND OTHER ENTITIES. (a) The office shall provide information and |
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evidence relating to criminal acts to the state auditor's office |
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and appropriate law enforcement officials. |
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(b) The office shall refer matters for further civil, |
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criminal, and administrative action to appropriate administrative |
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and prosecutorial agencies, including the attorney general. |
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SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2011. |