H.B. No. 1516
 
 
 
 
AN ACT
  relating to efficiency audits of the Temporary Assistance for Needy
  Families program and the state temporary assistance and support
  services program.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Subchapter A, Chapter 531, Government Code, is
  amended by adding Section 531.005522 to read as follows:
         Sec. 531.005522.  EFFICIENCY AUDIT. (a) For purposes of
  this section, "efficiency audit" means an investigation of the
  implementation and administration of the federal Temporary
  Assistance for Needy Families program operated under Chapter 31,
  Human Resources Code, and the state temporary assistance and
  support services program operated under Chapter 34, Human Resources
  Code, to examine fiscal management, efficiency of the use of
  resources, and the effectiveness of state efforts in achieving the
  goals of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program
  described under 42 U.S.C. Section 601(a).
         (b)  In 2022 and every sixth year after that year, an
  external auditor selected under Subsection (e) shall conduct an
  efficiency audit.
         (c)  The commission shall pay the costs associated with an
  efficiency audit required under this section using existing
  resources.
         (d)  The state auditor shall ensure that the external auditor
  conducts the efficiency audit in accordance with the requirements
  of this section.
         (e)  Not later than March 1 of the year in which an efficiency
  audit is required under this section, the state auditor shall
  select an external auditor to conduct the efficiency audit.
         (f)  The external auditor shall be independent and not
  subject to direction from:
               (1)  the commission; or
               (2)  any other state agency subject to evaluation by
  the auditor for purposes of this section or that receives or spends
  money under the programs described by Subsection (a).
         (g)  The external auditor shall complete the audit not later
  than the 90th day after the date the auditor is selected.
         (h)  The Legislative Budget Board shall establish the scope
  of the efficiency audit and determine the areas of investigation
  for the audit, including:
               (1)  reviewing the resources dedicated to a program
  described by Subsection (a) to determine whether those resources:
                     (A)  are being used effectively and efficiently to
  achieve desired outcomes for individuals receiving benefits under a
  program; and
                     (B)  are not being used for purposes other than
  the intended goals of the applicable program;
               (2)  identifying cost savings or reallocations of
  resources; and
               (3)  identifying opportunities for improving services
  through consolidation of essential functions, outsourcing, and
  elimination of duplicative efforts.
         (i)  Not later than November 1 of the year an efficiency
  audit is conducted, the external auditor shall prepare and submit a
  report of the audit and recommendations for efficiency improvements
  to the governor, the Legislative Budget Board, the state auditor,
  the executive commissioner, and the chairs of the House Human
  Services Committee and the Senate Health and Human Services
  Committee. The executive commissioner and the state auditor shall
  publish the report, recommendations, and full audit on the
  commission's and the state auditor's Internet websites.
         SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.
 
 
  ______________________________ ______________________________
     President of the Senate Speaker of the House     
 
 
         I certify that H.B. No. 1516 was passed by the House on May
  14, 2021, by the following vote:  Yeas 94, Nays 50, 2 present, not
  voting.
 
  ______________________________
  Chief Clerk of the House   
 
 
         I certify that H.B. No. 1516 was passed by the Senate on May
  25, 2021, by the following vote:  Yeas 20, Nays 11.
 
  ______________________________
  Secretary of the Senate    
  APPROVED:  _____________________
                     Date          
   
            _____________________
                   Governor