Texas House Bill HB4074

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to an audit of funds received by certain entities under the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to fund health or public safety programs.

Impact

The implementation of HB 4074 could significantly affect state laws related to financial oversight and accountability, particularly regarding the use of federal funds. By requiring an audit of expenditures, the bill seeks to eliminate potential mismanagement of these funds, which could ultimately lead to enhanced public trust in state and local governance. The audit findings are expected to be published publicly, ensuring that stakeholders, including the legislature and the general public, have access to information concerning the utilization of public funds for health and safety initiatives.

Summary

House Bill 4074 is designed to ensure a thorough audit of funds received by state agencies and municipalities from the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. This legislation mandates the state auditor to evaluate the management and expenditure of these funds specifically allocated for health and public safety programs. The primary objective of this bill is to enhance transparency and accountability surrounding the allocation of federal resources meant for essential services at the state and local levels.

Contention

While HB 4074 aims to secure financial accountability, it may encounter contention regarding the regulatory burden it places on state agencies and municipalities. Some local officials may express concerns about possible disruptions to service provisions during audits, fearing that resource allocation and operational processes might be hindered. Additionally, debate may arise over the effectiveness and necessity of such audits, with some stakeholders questioning whether they could inadvertently create obstacles for timely access to essential health and safety programs.