Provides relative to notification of the legislative auditor and district attorney of the misappropriation of certain public funds and restitution of audit costs. (8/1/14)
Impact
The implementation of SB 220 will update how public funds' misappropriation is managed at the state level, mandating swift action from agency heads and legal authorities. It empowers the attorney general to pursue recovery of misappropriated funds through civil suit, thereby institutionalizing a mechanism for accountability. The bill may also influence how financial audits are conducted, ensuring that costs incurred during investigations can be recovered from responsible parties, further discouraging fraudulent activities.
Summary
Senate Bill 220 addresses the processes surrounding the notification of misappropriation of public funds within state agencies. It requires agency heads to promptly inform the legislative auditor and district attorney upon discovery or reasonable suspicion of misappropriation. This bill provides clearer definitions and formal procedures to enhance the reporting and recovery of public funds misused through fraud or theft, thereby strengthening accountability within public entities.
Sentiment
Overall, the sentiment around SB 220 appears to be supportive as it aims to enhance transparency and accountability in government spending. Many legislators recognize the importance of robust mechanisms to tackle misappropriation effectively. However, there may also be concerns regarding the implications of such regulations on the operational freedom of agencies, particularly in their handling of internal audits and controls.
Contention
Key points of discussion have likely focused on the balance between oversight and operational autonomy of state agencies. While proponents emphasize the need for stringent measures against misuse of public funds, some may question the enforcement of these regulations and the potential administrative burdens placed on agency heads. Addressing these contentions will be crucial in ensuring that the bill enhances accountability while allowing public entities to function efficiently.
Requires reporting of misappropriation of public funds received or expended by a quasi-public entity to the legislative auditor and the district attorney. (8/1/20)
Relative to the legislative auditor, requires the auditor to provide for certain notifications of noncompliant auditees and requires auditees to designate an individual to file reports with the auditor and notify the auditor
Provides that certain audits completed by the office of the legislative auditor shall be reported to the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget on an annual basis. (7/1/14) (EN NO IMPACT See Note)
Requires local auditees and vendors who collect taxes on behalf of others to have certain annual audits and to submit certain sworn statements regarding tax collections to the legislative auditor (EN NO IMPACT LF EX See Note)
Requires reporting of misappropriation of public funds received or expended by a quasi-public entity to the legislative auditor and the district attorney. (8/1/20)
Requests the House and Senate governmental affairs committees to study methods to limit and recover mishandled, misused, and misappropriated public funds