Honorable Richard Peña Raymond, Chair, House Committee on Human Services
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB3655 by King, Susan (Relating to a strategy to ensure proper use of money under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would direct the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to develop a strategy to ensure that money provided under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program is used by recipients for its intended purposes. Such strategy must include a method to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse by better accounting for purchases made by TANF recipients. The bill authorizes HHSC to seek federal approval to implement its provisions.
HHSC assumes that it would further investigate and explore options for preventing fraud, waste, and abuse of TANF monies. HHSC has indicated that costs associated with researching potential strategies would be immaterial and absorbed within existing resources. HHSC would provide information prior to the next legislative session if HHSC identifies any options which would require additional resources or statutory changes.
The bill would take effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all members elected to each house. Otherwise, the bill would go into effect on September 1, 2015.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.