Makes Officials Liable for Benefit Fraud
HR10922-119 · Introduced Oct 29, 2026
Why it matters
State workers who know about fraud in covered programs could face personal lawsuits. People convicted of large benefit fraud would face longer required prison terms.
What it does
- Makes state officials and employees who fail to stop known benefit fraud break the law
- Lets the Attorney General sue them for up to three times the loss above $500,000
- Removes immunity that would otherwise protect officials acting in their jobs
- Sets prison minimums from 1 year for losses under $40,000 up to 20 years for $100 million or more
- Doubles the minimum sentence for repeat fraud, and bars probation or suspended sentences
In committee
Next: a committee vote
- Introduceddone
- Committeecurrent step
- Housenot yet
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About this bill
Would make state officers personally liable for failing to stop known fraud in benefit programs. It would also set mandatory minimum prison terms for fraud, from 1 year up to 20 years.
Fraud Accountability and Mandatory Sentencing Act
Perspectives
💬 The case for
Program integrity groups would likely say officials who ignore fraud should be held responsible. Strict minimums would deter large schemes that drain public benefit funds.
💬 The case against
Some state officials and employee groups would likely say the liability is too broad. Critics may also argue mandatory minimums take away judges' discretion in sentencing.
Sponsored by
Sponsor details for this federal bill are at the source link.
News
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