88R13351 LRM-F
By: Guillen H.B. No. 3783
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to audits of state border security programs.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 421, Government Code, is amended by
adding Subchapter G to read as follows:
SUBCHAPTER G. AUDIT OF BORDER SECURITY PROGRAMS
Sec. 421.101. REQUIRED AUDIT. In 2024 and every sixth year
after that year, the state auditor shall conduct an economy and
efficiency audit, as defined by Section 321.0133, of each state
agency program intended primarily to provide security services,
including law enforcement services, in the area of the state along
the Texas-Mexico border.
Sec. 421.102. SELECTION AND SUPERVISION OF AUDITOR. (a)
Not later than March 1 of the year an audit is conducted under this
subchapter, the state auditor shall select an external auditor to
conduct the audit.
(b) The external auditor shall be independent and not
subject to direction from any state agency subject to evaluation by
the auditor for purposes of this subchapter.
(c) The state auditor shall oversee the external auditor and
ensure that the audit is conducted in accordance with the
requirements of this subchapter.
(d) The cost of the audit shall be paid for using existing
resources allocated for the purpose of auditing the agencies
identified in Section 421.103(b).
Sec. 421.103. SCOPE OF AUDIT. (a) The audit shall:
(1) examine all state resources, such as financial
resources, personnel, and technology, used in ensuring the security
of the Texas-Mexico border;
(2) assess the efficiency and effectiveness of state
border security programs;
(3) identify any duplication, overlap, and conflict
between border security programs;
(4) examine communication and coordination among
state agencies responsible for border security programs; and
(5) assess the efficiency and effectiveness of state
and federal coordination and cooperation on border security
operations.
(b) The following agencies are included in the audit:
(1) Department of Public Safety of the State of Texas;
(2) Texas Military Department;
(3) Texas Division of Emergency Management;
(4) Parks and Wildlife Department;
(5) Texas Department of Criminal Justice; and
(6) Office of Court Administration of the Texas
Judicial System.
(c) The state auditor may select other relevant state
agencies or programs in addition to those listed in Subsection (b)
for inclusion in the audit.
Sec. 421.104. DELIVERY OF AUDIT RESULTS. (a) The external
auditor must complete the audit not later than the 90th day after
the date the auditor is selected and present the auditor's results
and recommendations to the state auditor and the chief
administrative officers of the agencies subject to the audit.
(b) Not later than November 1 of the year an audit is
conducted, the state auditor shall prepare and submit a report of
the audit and recommendations for improvement to the governor, the
lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives,
and the Legislative Budget Board. The state auditor shall publish
the report, recommendations, and audit on the state auditor's
publicly accessible Internet website.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.