By: Perry H.B. No. 3369
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the creation of the office of inspector general.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subtitle B, Title 4, Government Code, is amended
by adding Chapter 422 to read as follows:
CHAPTER 422. OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
Sec. 422.001. DEFINITION. In this chapter, "office" means
the office of inspector general established under this chapter.
Sec. 422.002. OFFI
CE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL. The office of
inspector general is an independent agency.
Sec. 422.003. GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES. (a) The office is
responsible for the investigation of fraudulent insurance acts,
including Medicaid fraud and fraud under the workers' compensation
system, in this state.
(b) The office shall:
(1) report to and perform duties as directed by the
governor; and
(2) provide assistance to:
(A) inspectors general of state agencies who have
jurisdiction over insurance; and
(B) the insurance fraud unit of the Texas
Department of Insurance.
Sec. 422.004. CONTRACTS FOR INVESTIGATIVE SERVICES. The
inspector general may contract with certified public accountants,
qualified management consultants, or other professional experts as
necessary to independently perform investigative services.
Sec. 422.005. GENERAL POWERS. The office has all the powers
necessary or appropriate to carry out its responsibilities and
functions under this chapter.
Sec. 422.006. COOPERATION WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS
AND OTHER ENTITIES. (a) The office shall provide information and
evidence relating to criminal acts to the state auditor's office
and appropriate law enforcement officials.
(b) The office shall refer matters for further civil,
criminal, and administrative action to appropriate administrative
and prosecutorial agencies, including the attorney general.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2011.