This bill will ensure that key state regulatory divisions are operating effectively and efficiently by requiring periodic performance audits by the State Auditor.
KEY PROVISIONS
Divisions to Be Audited
Air Pollution Control Division (Department of Public Health and Environment)
Division of Labor Standards and Statistics (Department of Labor and Employment)
Audit Scope and Objectives
Each audit must evaluate whether the division:
Fulfills its statutory duties
Operates in an effective and efficient manner
Reporting Requirement
Upon completion of each audit, the State Auditor must submit a written report to the Legislative Audit Committee.
OVERALL EFFECT
Increases oversight and accountability of two major regulatory divisions
Provides the legislature with evidence-based evaluations
Establishes a recurring mechanism for performance review, with flexibility for more frequent audits if concerns arise
Summary
The bill requires the state auditor to conduct or cause to be conducted performance audits (audits) of the air pollution control division in the department of public health and environment and the division of labor standards and statistics in the department of labor and employment (divisions). The audits will determine whether each of the divisions effectively and efficiently performs and fulfills its statutory obligations. The initial audit of the air pollution control division must begin in calendar year 2026, with an additional audit occurring in calendar year 2031, and more frequently in the state auditor's discretion. The initial audit of the division of labor standards and statistics must begin in calendar year 2027, with an additional audit occurring in calendar year 2032, and more frequently in the state auditor's discretion. The state auditor, in their discretion, may conduct additional audits of the divisions after the first 2 audits have been completed. Upon completion of an audit, the state auditor is required to submit a written report about the audit to the legislative audit committee.
