The powers and duties of the state auditor and the salary of the state auditor; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a legislative management report; and to declare an emergency.
Impact
The bill specifies the financial and operational parameters under which the state auditor will operate. It includes provisions for enhancements to salaries, operational expenses, and capital assets, which could influence how effectively the auditor's office conducts its audits. Furthermore, it establishes a framework for legislative management studies to assess local government audit services, thus potentially affecting future legislation aimed at reforming these services to better meet local needs.
Summary
Senate Bill No. 2004 is designed to enhance the operational capabilities of the state auditor in North Dakota by amending certain provisions in the North Dakota Century Code. The bill includes an appropriation of funds to cover the expenses of the state auditor's office for the biennium of 2023-2025, which aims to improve state auditing processes including provision for audits of the department of financial institutions. This is expected to streamline management and resource allocation within this essential government office.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SB 2004 appears to be generally positive among legislative members, as indicated by the overwhelming support it received in votes. The appropriations outlined in the bill may bolster operational effectiveness and fiscal responsibility. However, there are underlying concerns about the implications of centralized auditing powers on local jurisdictions, which may lead to debates about local autonomy and the adequacy of auditing services particularly in diverse local contexts.
Contention
One notable point of contention revolves around the balance of power between state and local governments regarding auditing practices and the provision of adequate auditing services. The legislative management study proposed in the bill may highlight ongoing challenges faced by local entities in securing necessary audit services, raising potential concerns regarding access to resources and support for smaller political subdivisions. This aspect might become a focal point of discussion as local governments advocate for more tailored auditing solutions.
The autism voucher; to provide a statement of legislative intent; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a report; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.
A transfer from the strategic investment and improvements fund to the clean sustainable energy fund; to provide a deficiency appropriation; to provide for a transfer; to provide an exemption; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide for a report; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.
Park district bonding authority without a vote, reporting of legislative tax relief information, and delivery and contents of the real estate tax statement; to provide for a legislative management study; and to provide for a legislative management report.
Legacy fund definitions and the legacy earnings fund; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide an appropriation; to provide an exemption; to provide an effective date; to provide an expiration date; and to declare an emergency.
The naming of the Bismarck state college polytechnic center; to authorize the state board of higher education to issue and sell bonds for capital projects; to provide for a transfer; to provide for the conveyance of real property; to provide for a legislative management higher education funding review committee; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a report; to provide legislative intent; to provide an exemption; and to declare an emergency.
Transfers from the lottery operating fund to the multijurisdictional drug task force grant fund and the salary of the attorney general; to provide a transfer; to provide an exemption; to provide for a legislative management study; and to declare an emergency.
AN ACT to provide an appropriation for defraying the expenses of the office of the adjutant general; to provide an exemption; to provide a statement of legislative intent; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a transfer; and to declare an emergency.
Meals provided to employees of the veterans' home; to provide an exemption; to provide for a legislative management study; and to declare an emergency.
Offenders released from the department of corrections and rehabilitation; to provide for a statement of legislative intent; to provide for a legislative management study; and to provide for a legislative management report.