Martinez Fischer Bill Orders Outside Audits Of Operation Lone Star

The text as introduced · 463 words

90R527 LRM-F

By: Martinez Fischer
H.B. No. 257

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to efficiency audits of Operation Lone Star and other

border security programs.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Subchapter Z, Chapter 411, Government Code, is

amended by adding Section 411.952 to read as follows:

Sec. 411.952. EFFICIENCY AUDIT. (a) For purposes of this

section, "efficiency audit" means an investigation of the

implementation and administration of Operation Lone Star and other

border security programs to examine fiscal management, efficiency

of the use of resources, and the effectiveness of state efforts in

achieving the border security goals of this state.

(b) In 2028 and every second year after that year, an

external auditor selected under Subsection (e) shall conduct the

efficiency audit required by this section.

(c) The department shall pay the costs associated with an

efficiency audit required under this section using existing

resources.

(d) The comptroller 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 comptroller shall select

and contract with an external auditor to conduct the efficiency

audit.

(f) The external auditor shall be independent and not

subject to direction from:

(1) the department;

(2) the Texas Military Department; or

(3) 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 program outcomes, including securing the border;

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) reviewing governmental contracts and grants made

related to border security programs.

(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 comptroller, and the chairs of the house appropriations

committee and the senate finance committee. The governor and the

comptroller shall publish the report, recommendations, and full

audit on the governor's and the comptroller's Internet websites.

SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2027.