Chair Erickson opened the hearing on Substitute for HB2731. 

Staff provided an overview of the bill. (Attachment 1)

Proponent testimony:

Steven Anderson, Inspector General (OIG), Office of Attorney General, testified in support of the bill. (Attachment 2) This legislation is a positive step forward to ensure information involving detecting, investigating, and prosecuting fraud in the cash, childcare, and food assistance programs is shared.

Opponent testimony:

Marc Altenbernt, General Counsel, Department for Children & Families (DCF), provided opponent testimony. (Attachment 3) The DCF would ask the committee to oppose the proposed bill and support the continued practice of DCF fulfilling its federally required fraud investigation activities and partnering with the OIG and the Attorney General’s Office for assistance and prosecution without any additional requirements to share further data, documents or resources.

Written testimony in opposition to the bill:

Emma Shankland, Impact Strategist, Health Forward Foundation. (Attachment 4)

Chair Erickson closed the hearing on Substitute for HB2731. 

The next meeting is March 10, 2026. The meeting adjourned at 9:55 am.