Hawaii House Bill HR79

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/9/23
• Refer: 3/15/23

Caption

Requesting The Auditor To Conduct A Forensic Audit Of The Department Of Education.

Impact

The potential impact of HR79 on state laws and practices revolves around increasing accountability within the Department of Education. By initiating a forensic audit, it aims to strengthen fiscal responsibility and ensure that funds are used efficiently. This could lead to recommendations that apply to budgeting processes, financial reporting, and overall governance within educational institutions. The results of the audit are expected to provide critical insights into how state funds are managed and could facilitate changes in legislative oversight and curricular funding policies.

Summary

House Resolution 79 requests a forensic audit of the Department of Education in Hawaii, highlighting concerns regarding financial oversight and management within the department. The resolution emphasizes that the Department houses the largest number of employees among state departments and operates under a substantial budget, with over $2.6 billion allocated for FY2023. The primary goal of the audit is to identify any instances of fraud, misplaced funds, or financial negligence, which is deemed necessary to enhance the quality of education while maintaining cost-effectiveness for the state.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding HR79 is the broader implications it may have for administrative practices and transparency within not just the Department of Education, but potentially across other state departments as well. Proponents argue that uncovering any financial discrepancies is vital for reform, while opponents may raise concerns about the audit's costs and the potential disruption to the normal operations of the department. Additionally, the outcome of this resolution could influence public trust in educational funding management and legislative effectiveness.