Rhode Island 2024 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S2114

Introduced
1/12/24  

Caption

Establishes the office of inspector general as an independent administrative agency charged with the responsibility to investigate, detect, and prevent fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement in the expenditure of public funds.

Impact

The establishment of the inspector general's office necessitates significant changes to the existing administrative structure of state affairs. It aims to promote a systematic approach to auditing and oversight of public expenditures, thereby potentially increasing efficiency within public agencies. The bill outlines specific duties for the inspector general, including conducting audits and investigations, which could lead to more stringent measures for ensuring compliance among public bodies. The introduction of an anonymous hotline for reporting fraudulent activities further empowers the public to participate in governmental oversight.

Summary

Bill S2114 establishes the office of the inspector general as an independent administrative agency in Rhode Island. The primary responsibility of this office will be to investigate, detect, and prevent fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement related to the expenditure of public funds. The bill stipulates that this office will have jurisdiction over state programs and operations, as well as the procurement processes of various agencies, including local governments and non-governmental organizations that use public funds. Upon its passage, this office is expected to enhance accountability and transparency in state expenditures.

Contention

Despite the bill's intentions, there may be points of contention among stakeholders regarding the office's independence and the potential for bureaucratic overreach. Critics could argue that centralized oversight might impede local control and slow down necessary governmental operations. Furthermore, there may be concerns regarding the consequences of investigations on the employees and elected officials of public agencies, particularly if the inquiry processes seem opaque or lacking in due process. Balancing the need for accountability with fair treatment of individuals within the public sector will be critical as the bill progresses.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H5303

Inspector General

RI S0264

Inspector General

RI H5007

Lead Poisoning Prevention Act

RI S0002

Lead Poisoning Prevention Act

RI H5318

Lead Poisoning Prevention Act

RI H5114

Domestic Abuse Prevention

RI H5101

Authorizing The Town Of North Providence To Issue Not To Exceed $125,000,000 General Obligation Bonds, Notes And Other Evidences Of Indebtedness To Finance The Construction, Renovation, Rehabilitation, Repair, Improvements, Furnishing And Equipping Of And/or Additions To Schools And School Facilities In The Town, Including, But Not Limited To, The Construction Of Three Elementary Schools, The Renovation Of Two Middle Schools And The Construction Of New Administrative Offices, Subject To Approval Of State Housing Aid At A Reimbursement Rate Or State Share Ratio Of Not Less Than 79.8% For Expenditures Eligible For Reimbursement

RI S0018

Authorizing The Town Of North Providence To Issue Not To Exceed $125,000,000 General Obligation Bonds, Notes And Other Evidences Of Indebtedness To Finance The Construction, Renovation, Rehabilitation, Repair, Improvements, Furnishing And Equipping Of And/or Additions To Schools And School Facilities In The Town, Including, But Not Limited To, The Construction Of Three Elementary Schools, The Renovation Of Two Middle Schools And The Construction Of New Administrative Offices, Subject To Approval Of State Housing Aid At A Reimbursement Rate Or State Share Ratio Of Not Less Than 79.8% For Expenditures Eligible For Reimbursement

RI H5785

Department Of Administration

RI S0408

Department Of Administration

Similar Bills

RI S0038

Establishes the office of inspector general as an independent administrative agency charged with the responsibility to investigate, detect, and prevent fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement in the expenditure of public funds.

RI H7027

Establishes the office of inspector general as an independent administrative agency charged with the responsibility to investigate, detect, and prevent fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement in the expenditure of public funds.

RI H5303

Inspector General

RI H6650

Establishing An Office Of Inspector General

RI S0264

Inspector General

RI S2247

Establishing An Office Of Inspector General

RI S0097

Establishes office of inspector general which would be charged with preventing fraud and mismanagement of public funds, regardless of their source and would oversee all state programs and operations.

RI S2348

Establishes office of inspector general which would be charged with preventing fraud and mismanagement of public funds, regardless of their source and would oversee all state programs and operations.