A review finds Texas agencies since 2014 have granted at least $430,000 in emergency leave to employees who already left their jobs.
The Dallas Morning News reports details were released Thursday by the State Auditor's Office.
Severance pay is not allowed in Texas government. State law gives the heads of agencies unrestricted authority to give emergency leave for any reason and however long they choose.
Seven agencies were asked to detail packages they offered to Texas employees since September 2014.
Six agencies reported paying ex-employees emergency leave for weeks and sometimes months after they left. Auditors found that more than $432,000 in taxpayer money was paid to 44 ex-employees.
Some Texas legislators have criticized giving ex-state workers emergency leave pay in place of severance pay or as settlements.
___
Information from: The Dallas Morning News.
Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.