Furthermore, AB 884 seeks to amend the Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act to now include internal audit committees established by governing bodies of state agencies. This means that the meetings of these committees will have to be open to the public, increasing the transparency of the audit process. This extension implies that the public will have greater access to the deliberations surrounding the audit findings and their implications, thereby fostering public trust in state governance.
Summary
Assembly Bill 884, introduced by Assembly Member Patterson, aims to enhance accountability and transparency in state agency operations by requiring all state agencies with annual spending of $50 million or more to not only consider but to establish an ongoing audit function. The bill amends existing sections of the Government Code related to state governance, thus reinforcing the importance of regular audits as a mechanism for oversight. This requirement is intended to promote more responsible fiscal management and ensure that use of public funds is subject to scrutiny.
Contention
One notable point of contention is the imposition of new requirements on state agencies and potentially creating a state-mandated local program. Critics may express concerns over the possible strain on local agencies which could arise from enforced compliance with these new audit procedures and the necessary reporting mechanisms. While the bill specifies no reimbursement is required for related costs incurred by local agencies, this clause could lead to debates regarding the financial burden placed on local governments and their capability to adapt to these new mandates.