The department may examine any books, papers, or memoranda reflecting the income of, or financial records bearing upon the determination of the eligibility of, recipients in instances of alleged fraud by recipients of food stamps and public assistance. This process may be implemented by means of a subpoena which may be issued by the commissioner of human services, upon the advice of the State Department of Law. In order to consider the issuance of such subpoenas, the director of the department’s office of fraud and abuse must personally make application in writing to the commissioner of human services specifying why such information is necessary. If issued, such subpoenas shall compel the production of relevant documents. Subpoenas shall be served in the same manner as if issued by a superior court. If any person fails to obey a subpoena issued and served under this Code section with respect to any matter germane to the department’s investigation, on application of the department, through the commissioner of human services or the commissioner’s duly authorized representative, the superior court of the county in which the documents were required to be produced may issue an order requiring the person to comply with the subpoena and to produce the relevant documents.
History. Code 1981, § 49-4-15.1 , enacted by Ga. L. 1987, p. 1435, § 2; Ga. L. 1997, p. 1021, § 4; Ga. L. 2009, p. 453, § 2-4/HB 228.
Editor’s notes.
Ga. L. 1997, p. 1021, § 10, not codified by the General Assembly, provides for severability.
Law reviews.
For article commenting on the 1997 amendment of this Code section, see 14 Ga. St. U. L. Rev. 284 (1997).
Structure Georgia Code
Article 1 - General Provisions
§ 49-4-4. Residence in State as Affecting Eligibility for Public Assistance
§ 49-4-5. Determining Amount of Public Assistance
§ 49-4-6. Reserves, Income, and Resources to Be Disregarded
§ 49-4-7. Receipt of Compensation for Residence Sold by Government Action Not to Affect Eligibility
§ 49-4-8. Application for Public Assistance
§ 49-4-9. Investigation and Record Concerning Applicant
§ 49-4-10. Physical Examination of Applicant
§ 49-4-11. Award and Payment of Public Assistance
§ 49-4-14. Regulations as to Records; Use or Disclosure of Information; Penalty
§ 49-4-15.1. Examination of Financial Records in Instances of Alleged Fraud
§ 49-4-16. Research, Demonstration, and Work Experience Programs; Surplus Food Distribution
§ 49-4-17. Funding Costs of Assistance and Administration; County Participation Not Required
§ 49-4-19. Social Assistance Register
§ 49-4-21. Photo Requirement on Electronic Benefits Transfer Cards for Food Stamps
§ 49-4-22. Eligibility for Aid Under Federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program