Connecticut Senate Bill SB00385

Connecticut 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/20/11
• Refer: 1/20/11

Caption

An Act Establishing A Division Of State Accountability And Investigations.

Impact

If enacted, SB00385 would notably impact state governance by centralizing the functions of accountability and investigative actions within a dedicated division. This change is anticipated to streamline the detection and management of fraudulent activities, significantly enhancing the transparency of state operations. Furthermore, it aims to create a formal structure for addressing whistleblower complaints, which could lead to a more responsive and responsible governmental apparatus.

Summary

SB00385 proposes the establishment of a Division of State Accountability and Investigations within the Office of the Auditors of Public Accounts. This new division will consist of two attorneys transferred from the Office of the Attorney General and will be tasked with investigating fraud, waste, and abuse within state government operations. The division aims to enhance the processes around whistleblower complaints and improve overall accountability in the management of state resources. Funding for the division will be sourced from civil or criminal fines or documented savings resulting from its investigations, promoting a self-sustaining model of oversight.

Contention

The proposal does, however, raise points of contention regarding the potential scope and effectiveness of the new investigative body. Critics may argue about the adequacy of funding and whether it provides sufficient resources to meet its ambitious goals of fraud prevention and waste elimination. There may also be concerns regarding the impact on existing oversight frameworks and whether this new division can function effectively without overlapping or duplicating efforts already in place within the government.