Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

Mississippi House Bill HB1153

Introduced

1/16/23

Refer

1/16/23

Failed

1/31/23

Caption

State auditor; authorize investigative and audit costs incured by contracted firms to be paid as percentage of recovery.

Impact

The implications of HB 1153 are significant for the state’s financial governance framework. By permitting audits and costs to be recovered as a percentage of the value retrieved, the bill could enhance the efficacy of the auditing process within state agencies. It removes financial barriers that could deter rigorous auditing practices and strengthens the ability of the State Auditor to undertake necessary financial recovery actions without upfront costs that have to be borne by the state or involved entities. The creation of a more robust auditing structure could potentially lead to improved financial management and transparency in public offices.

Summary

House Bill 1153 amends sections of the Mississippi Code to allow the State Auditor to have investigative and audit costs incurred by independent specialists or firms contracted by the Auditor compensated as a percentage of the financial recovery. This legislative change is designed to promote accountability within public offices, ensuring that entities that have mismanaged or unlawfully expended funds can be effectively audited and held responsible for their actions. By making these costs contingent on recovery, the bill aims to incentivize thorough investigations and audits by ensuring that the expenses incurred are directly linked to the success of recovering misappropriated funds.

Contention

Notably, there may be contention surrounding the potential for increased costs associated with auditing if mismanagement is rampant, with critics arguing that it could lead to audits being conducted more frequently or aggressively than necessary, impacting the operational stability of state-funded services. Proponents argue this risk is outweighed by the benefits of ensuring accountability and the recovery of public funds that should rightfully support state programs and services. The discussion surrounding this bill reflects broader concerns regarding the balance of accountability and operational efficiency in state financial practices.