MS SB2338

Amends Section 43-1-23 of the Mississippi Code to require the Department of Human Services Fraud Investigation Unit to report suspected civil or criminal violations relating to program fraud, embezzlement, or related crimes to the Office of the State Auditor.

Expands the Fraud Investigation Unit's responsibilities to include investigations of fraud, embezzlement, and related crimes involving clients, vendors, contracted entities, and department employees.

Requires notification of criminal violations to appropriate prosecuting authorities and establishes cooperation with the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation for crimes outside DHS programmatic authority such as human trafficking, domestic violence, and child abuse.

Grants the State Auditor access to confidential records and information maintained by the Fraud Investigation Unit, alongside district attorneys, the Attorney General, and courts with criminal jurisdiction.

Takes effect July 1, 2022.