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SB 502

Relating to peace officers commissioned by the Health and Human Services Commission's office of inspector general.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Christian Manuel and 2 co-sponsors

SB 502 grants the Texas HHS Office of Inspector General authority to commission peace officers to investigate and enforce laws against fraud and abuse in state health programs, effective September 1, 2025.

Effective on 9/1/25
#health&humanservicescommission(v0177) #health--general(i0385) #inspectorgeneralforhealth&humanservices(v0860) #lawenforcement(i0510) #peaceofficers(s0007) #salaries&expenses(i0745)
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Bill Summary · SB 502

Legislative bill overview

SB 502 authorizes the Health and Human Services Commission's Office of Inspector General to commission peace officers with full law enforcement powers. These officers would have the authority to investigate fraud, waste, and abuse within HHS programs and enforce related state laws across Texas.

Why is this important

This expansion grants HHS investigators direct enforcement authority rather than relying on local law enforcement or the Texas Rangers for investigations. It streamlines investigations into Medicaid fraud and other HHS program violations, potentially increasing recovery of misspent public funds and reducing administrative delays in pursuing cases.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of authority: Defining the geographic and jurisdictional limits of HHS peace officers and whether their authority could overlap with or duplicate existing law enforcement agencies
  • Oversight mechanisms: Establishing sufficient accountability, training standards, and oversight protocols to ensure newly commissioned officers operate within appropriate legal boundaries
  • Cost and staffing: Questions about budget requirements for recruitment, training, equipment, and whether this duplicates existing investigative capacity in state or local agencies

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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