85R11281 SCL-D
By: Muñoz, Jr. H.B. No. 2841
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to authority of a county auditor to investigate misuse of
county funds or property.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 84, Local Government Code, is amended by
adding Subchapter C to read as follows:
SUBCHAPTER C. POWERS AND DUTIES
Sec. 84.051. INVESTIGATION OF MISUSE OF COUNTY FUNDS AND
PROPERTY. (a) A county auditor may investigate a complaint
submitted to the county auditor that alleges misuse of county funds
or property.
(b) After a county auditor's investigation under Subsection
(a) is completed, the county auditor may:
(1) develop a report of the county auditor's findings
that includes a summary of the findings and any comments from the
county auditor;
(2) except as provided by Subsection (d), post the
results of the investigation and the report developed under
Subdivision (1), if applicable, on the county's Internet website,
redacting any information required to be kept confidential by other
law; or
(3) refer the matter to an appropriate law enforcement
agency if the county auditor suspects criminal activity.
(c) If a county auditor develops a report under Subsection
(b)(1), the county auditor shall provide a copy of the report to the
commissioners court of the county.
(d) If a county auditor refers the matter to a law
enforcement agency under Subsection (b)(3), the county auditor may
not make the results of the county auditor's investigation or a
report developed under Subsection (b)(1) available to the public
until the law enforcement agency's investigation is completed.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2017.