Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB2019

Introduced
2/7/24  

Caption

In auditors and accountants, further providing for appointment of accountant and providing for appointment of independent auditor and abolishment of office of elected auditor.

Impact

The bill is expected to affect existing frameworks surrounding financial auditing and reporting by ensuring that independent auditors are more directly accountable to state authorities instead of to the electoral process. This could lead to greater consistency in auditing practices across various state agencies. The legislative discussions suggest a push towards improving the quality and reliability of financial information available to the public, as well as strengthening oversight mechanisms in state government.

Summary

House Bill 2019 proposes significant changes to the governance of auditors and accountants by providing for the appointment of independent auditors and abolishing the office of elected auditors. This move is designed to increase accountability and professionalism within the field of auditing, shifting the focus from elected officials to appointed specialists who are expected to bring in expertise and objectivity to the auditing process. Proponents of the bill argue that this shift will improve the integrity of financial oversight and enhance public trust in governmental financial practices.

Sentiment

Overall sentiment regarding HB2019 appears to be supportive among lawmakers advocating for increased oversight and transparency in government financial practices. However, there are concerns from some stakeholders regarding the reduction of democratic accountability that comes with the shift from elected to appointed positions. Critics point out that this change could limit the ability of citizens to influence auditing decisions through the electoral process.

Contention

Key points of contention revolve around the potential impacts on local governance and accountability. Opponents fear that moving to an appointed, independent auditor system could diminish local representation and oversight. There are also discussions about how effectively these independent auditors will function without the checks and balances that come from being elected by the public. The debate reflects a fundamental tension between ensuring expert accountability and maintaining public oversight in financial governance.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB1850

In auditors and accountants, further providing for appointment of accountant.

PA SB978

In auditors and accountants, further providing for appointment of accountant.

PA SB740

In auditors and accountants, further providing for auditor's compensation.

PA HB1185

In auditors and accountants, further providing for surcharge by auditors; and, in township manager, further providing for township manager, appointment, removal, powers and duties, compensation and bond.

PA HB1230

In auditors and accountants, further providing for surcharge by auditors; and, in township manager, further providing for township manager, appointment, removal, powers and duties, compensation and bond.

PA SB749

In auditors and accountants, further providing for surcharge by auditors; and, in township manager, further providing for township manager, appointment, removal, powers and duties, compensation and bond.

PA SB1426

Relating to the appointment of county auditors.

PA AB910

County officers: auditors: qualifications.

PA HB1254

Providing for internal auditing; and imposing duties on the Auditor General.

PA HB1232

In powers and duties of elected officials, further providing for surcharge by auditors; in powers, duties and rights of appointed officers and employees, further providing for borough manager created by ordinance and election, for powers and duties, for other offices not incompatible and for organization of commission; and, in taxation and finance, further providing for preparation of budget.

Similar Bills

PA SB978

In auditors and accountants, further providing for appointment of accountant.

PA HB1850

In auditors and accountants, further providing for appointment of accountant.

ND HB1423

A model zoning ordinance for animal feeding operations and the North Dakota insurance reserve fund.

FL H1595

Glades County

MI HB4762

Elections: voting procedures; early voting procedures; provide for. Amends secs. 662 & 668b of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.662 & 168.668b) & adds secs. 720a, 720b, 720c, 720d, 720e, 720f, 720g, 720h, 720i & 720j.

MS HB4113

Marshall County; authorize establishment of Chickasaw Trail Tax District and to levy special tax within the district.

MI HB4695

Elections: voting procedures; early voting procedures; clarify, and clarify appointing election inspectors to early voting sites. Amends secs.674 & 720j of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.674 & 168.720j).

MI SB0367

Elections: voting procedures; early voting procedures; provide for, allow processing and tabulation of absent voter ballots during the early voting period, and allow an absent voter to tabulate the absent voter's ballot in person at a polling place or early voting site. Amends secs. 570, 662, 668b, 674, 736b, 736c, 736d, 736e, 764a, 764b, 764d, 765, 765a, 765b, 768, 769, 795b, 797a, 798b & 805 of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.570 et seq.); adds secs. 8, 523b, 720a, 720b, 720c, 720d, 720e, 720f, 720g, 720h, 720i, 720j, 765c & 768a & repeals secs. 14b, 24k & 767 of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.14b et seq.) TIE BAR WITH: SB 0370'23, HB 4697'23