Bill > H251

This bill requires the Massachusetts State Auditor to conduct an annual comprehensive audit of the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA), which manages welfare benefits. The audit will specifically examine several key areas: the department's processes for verifying and issuing benefits, the number of Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card holders, the number of active benefit recipients, and detailed tracking of out-of-state benefit usage. The audit will include information such as the total amount of benefits used outside of Massachusetts, the frequency of out-of-state transactions, specific locations where benefits are spent, and demographic details of benefit recipients. By January 1st each year, the State Auditor must submit a report with audit findings, including recommendations for improving DTA's processes to detect and reduce potential fraud, waste, or abuse. The report will also analyze factors driving benefit enrollment increases and projected fiscal and operational challenges for the department. The bill aims to increase transparency and accountability in the administration of welfare benefits by mandating a thorough annual review of the DTA's operations and benefit usage.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H251