The bill amends K.S.A. 75-7427 to enhance the powers and responsibilities of the inspector general within the attorney general's office, allowing for comprehensive investigations and audits of all state cash, food, and health assistance programs. The inspector general will be appointed by the attorney general with the senate's advice and consent and must have relevant experience in audits or investigations. Key changes include the removal of specific references to the state Medicaid program and the state children's health insurance program, thereby broadening the scope of oversight. The inspector general will have original jurisdiction to investigate crimes related to public assistance, the authority to issue subpoenas, and the ability to access necessary information while maintaining confidentiality.

Additionally, the bill mandates the inspector general to report findings of fraud, waste, and abuse to the attorney general and produce annual reports for various state agencies and legislative committees. It includes provisions to protect individuals reporting misconduct from retaliation and outlines a process for seeking damages if they face disciplinary action. Contractors convicted of significant fraud or abuse will be ineligible for state Medicaid contracts unless specific conditions are met. The bill also emphasizes the confidentiality of investigation records and repeals the previous statute (K.S.A. 75-7427), taking effect upon publication in the statute book.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 75-7427