STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
RS28476 / H0190
This legislation places a welfare fraud unit with the Idaho State Police. Currently welfare fraud investigations
are under the authority of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. In 2020, IDHW disbanded the welfare
fraud unit. Investigators with the welfare fraud unit were told their duties could be covered by another unit
within IDHW. Health and Welfare reports these duties are still being covered. Before the breakup of the
welfare fraud unit, the fraud unit consisted of 8 highly trained investigators, most having much law enforcement
experience.
FISCAL NOTE
States receive a federal match for the personnel costs for administering the welfare programs. There are also
some operating expenses (such as supplies, equipment, etc.) that also are eligible for federal match. The total
allocated to IDHW for welfare fraud investigations, including the federal match, is $580,548 annually. This bill
requires that the $580,548 be allocated to ISP for welfare fraud investigations. This would simply be a transfer
of funds from IDHW to the Idaho State Police. There would not be an increased cost to state general funds.
Contact:
Representative Chad Christensen
(208) 332-1000
DISCLAIMER: This statement of purpose and fiscal note are a mere attachment to this bill and prepared by a proponent
of the bill. It is neither intended as an expression of legislative intent nor intended for any use outside of the legislative
process, including judicial review (Joint Rule 18).
Statement of Purpose / Fiscal Note Bill SOP/FN INTRODUCED: 02/16/2021, 9:05 AM


Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 56-209, 56-226, 56-227, 56-227B, 56-227C, 56-227D, 67-1401, 67-2901