Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama House Bill HB562

Filed/Read First Time

Introduced

4/10/25

Refer

4/10/25

Report Pass

4/16/25

Caption

State Auditor; powers and duties revised; Division of Investigations created

Impact

If enacted, HB562 will significantly enhance the oversight and accountability of state property management in Alabama. The creation of the Division of Property Investigations will empower the State Auditor to conduct thorough investigations into negligence related to state property. Moreover, by authorizing the Attorney General to bring civil actions for negligent losses, the bill aims to hold public officials accountable for mismanagement that leads to property loss or damage. This legislative move represents a strategic effort to safeguard state assets and assure the public that state resources are appropriately managed and protected.

Summary

House Bill 562 seeks to strengthen the authority and functions of the State Auditor's office in Alabama by creating a new Division of Property Investigations. This division will be responsible for investigating the loss, theft, or damage of certain state property. The bill establishes clearer reporting requirements for property managers within state agencies, ensuring timely notification to the Auditor's office regarding any losses or thefts of state property exceeding a value of five hundred dollars. Additionally, the legislation exempts certain state property located behind security bars from standard inventory processes, recognizing the unique challenges posed by secured facilities operated by the Department of Corrections and the Department of Youth Services.

Contention

Discussion around HB562 may center on the implications of increasing the State Auditor's powers and the potential impacts on state employees' liability for property management. There may be concerns regarding the burden of additional reporting requirements on property managers and the implications for their job responsibilities. Critics could argue about the adequacy of safeguards against potential misuse of investigative powers granted to the Auditor’s office, particularly regarding how investigations are initiated and conducted. The balance between oversight and operational efficiency will likely be a focal point in deliberations.

Companion Bills

AL SB163

Same As State Auditor; powers and duties revised; Division of Investigations created

Previously Filed As

AL SB274

State Auditor; powers and duties revised; Division of Investigations created

AL HB485

State Auditor; powers and duties revised; Division of Investigations created

AL SB128

Public Health Department State Board of Health, entity abolished and duties transferred to State Committee of Public Health; membership of committee revised; State Health Officer duties and qualifications revised

AL HB30

Pardons and Parole Board; Criminal Justice Policy Development Council created; provide for membership, duties; require use of parole release guidelines; parole proceedings revised; provide for appellate review

AL SB248

Corrections Department; rename Investigation and Intelligence Division; add correctional canine classifications to state law enforcement

AL SB306

Medical Cannabis Commission; process for issuing integrated facility licenses revised, duties of Department of Agriculture and Industries revised

AL SB74

State Health Officer, qualifications and appointment of revised, authority during states of emergency revised.

AL SB304

Pardons and Paroles; mandatory supervised release of inmates; terms of revocation revised; exception created

AL SB322

Department of Corrections; Deputy Commissioner for Prison Rehabilitation renamed; number of Deputy Commissioners further provided for; additional exempt and unclassified employees created; additional Joint Prison Oversight Committee duties created

AL HB32

Crimes and offenses, to further provide for the crime of murder, create exception, penalties revised

Similar Bills

AL HB485

State Auditor; powers and duties revised; Division of Investigations created

AL SB163

State Auditor; powers and duties revised; Division of Investigations created

AL SB274

State Auditor; powers and duties revised; Division of Investigations created

CT SB00195

An Act Concerning The Storage Of Stolen Property By Law Enforcement Agencies And The Payment For Property Received By Precious Metals Or Stones Dealers.

CT HB06368

An Act Concerning The Return Of Stolen Property.

CT HB05286

An Act Concerning The Return Of Stolen Property.

IA SSB1156

A bill for an act relating to the administration of the tax by the department of revenue by modifying provisions related to personal income, property, sales and use, motor fuel, and inheritance taxes, changing tax expenditure reviews, and including effective date and retroactive applicability provisions.(See SF 614.)