Summary of the Bill

The proposed legislation, titled the “Ending Improper Payments to Deceased People Act,” aims to amend title II of the Social Security Act. Its primary focus is on enhancing the coordination between the Do Not Pay working system and federal and state agencies. The bill mandates that the Commissioner of Social Security, starting December 27, 2023, share necessary information with the Do Not Pay system to prevent improper payments to deceased individuals. Additionally, the bill outlines that these changes will take effect on December 28, 2026, extending the expiration date for these provisions.

Significant Issues

Several issues have been identified within the bill's text:

• Privacy Concerns: The bill raises significant privacy concerns due to the provision allowing the sharing of personally identifiable information between the Commissioner of Social Security and the Do Not Pay system. The absence of detailed oversight or auditing processes to ensure the protection of this sensitive information is notable.

• Complex Language: The bill uses complex legal language and references previous laws in a manner that may be confusing to those without a legal background.

• Ambiguity in Feasibility: The phrase “to the extent feasible” in the bill provides a broad mandate that is vague and open to interpretation, which could result in inconsistent application.

• Delayed Implementation: With changes taking effect only in 2026, the delay might attract criticism for postponing necessary reforms, suggesting a lack of urgency.

• Lack of Defined Cooperative Framework: The bill falls short of defining parameters for the mandated cooperation, potentially leading to inconsistency and confusion across agencies.

Public Impact

The bill's broad impact revolves around its attempt to prevent improper financial disbursements, specifically targeting payments to deceased individuals. This effort addresses an ongoing problem in public finance and could contribute to more efficient government spending, potentially saving taxpayer dollars. However, the complexity and ambiguity within the bill may limit its effectiveness if public agencies interpret it inconsistently.

Impact on Stakeholders

General Public: The public, as taxpayers, could benefit from reduced waste of governmental resources due to improper payments. Nevertheless, the complex regulatory language may exclude citizens from fully understanding how public funds are managed.

Government Agencies: Federal and state agencies are directly impacted as they are required to implement these changes. The lack of clear guidelines for cooperation could lead to administrative burdens as agencies may struggle with differing interpretations.

Privacy Advocates: There’s a notable concern from a privacy standpoint, as the bill does not explicitly outline safeguards for the handling of sensitive information. This could be a point of contention among privacy rights groups who advocate for stricter data protection measures.

In conclusion, while the bill aims to enhance coordination in preventing improper payments, its language and deferred implementation might hinder its immediate effectiveness. Balancing the need for efficient government operations with rigorous privacy protections and clearer communication remains a significant challenge for this legislation.