HB 257 — Efficiency audits of Operation Lone Star

90R527 LRM-F By: Martinez Fischer H.B. No. 257 relating to efficiency audits of Operation Lone Star and other border security programs.

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.