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)
Impact
The introduction of SB 319 is expected to improve transparency and accountability in state financial management. By formalizing the requirement for the legislative auditor to report key financial findings, the bill empowers the legislature to respond more effectively to fiscal issues, potentially leading to better utilization of public funds and reduced waste. This shift could help identify persistent issues within state departments, encouraging them to rectify problems before they escalate. Moreover, these reporting requirements could improve public trust in governmental financial practices by ensuring regular scrutiny of state spending.
Summary
Senate Bill 319 establishes new reporting requirements for the legislative auditor in Louisiana, mandating that certain audit reports with significant financial implications be submitted to the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget. Specifically, the bill outlines that audits revealing issues such as inefficiencies, missed revenue, improper payments, and misappropriation of funds must be reported if the fiscal impact exceeds one hundred fifty thousand dollars. The annual compilation and quarterly submissions of these reports are intended to bolster legislative oversight over state financial activities, thereby enhancing accountability in government operations.
Sentiment
Overall, the sentiment surrounding SB 319 is positive among legislators, as evidenced by the unanimous support it received during the voting process, where it passed with 33 votes in favor and none against. Lawmakers see it as a constructive step towards improving financial governance and ensuring state resources are managed effectively. However, some concerns may arise regarding the implementation and potential burden on the auditor's office, which could need additional resources to meet the reporting demands stipulated by the bill.
Contention
While the bill has garnered broad support, discussions may arise regarding the capacity of the legislative auditor to efficiently process and report the information required under SB 319. There may be debates over the balance between necessary oversight and the operational efficiency of the auditor's office, as well as concerns about ensuring that adequate resources are dedicated to this increased accountability workload. Additionally, stakeholders may express opinions on whether the thresholds established for reporting are appropriately set to catch significant issues without overwhelming the auditing process with less critical matters.
Provides for the annual reporting to the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget by departments and public postsecondary education management boards on enacted legislation with significant fiscal impact. (7/1/13) (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX See Note)
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
Requires certain quasi public and nongovernmental entities to submit information to the legislative auditor and be approved by the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget prior to receiving state monies or assistance (RE +$135,000 GF EX See Note)
Requires certain quasi public and nongovernmental entities to submit information to the legislative auditor and be approved by the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget prior to receiving state monies or assistance
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)
Provides for reporting to and approval of all state contracts valued at twenty-five million dollars or more annually by the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget. (7/1/20) (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX See Note)
Provides relative to the content of annual budget reports to be submitted to the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget by the Louisiana Lottery Corporation. (7/1/12) (EN NO IMPACT OF EX See Note)