AR HB1158

Establishes a maximum of 290 employees for the Division of Legislative Audit for fiscal year 2013-2014, including 1 Legislative Auditor at $181,785 annually and positions ranging from Deputy Legislative Auditors (6) to Administrative Services Specialists (9).

Appropriates $40,116,178 from the State Central Services Fund for personal services ($27,717,849 in regular salaries, $7,475,929 in matching), operations ($3,464,400), conferences and travel ($343,000), professional fees ($760,000), and capital outlay ($355,000).

Appropriates $100,000 from the State Central Services Fund to assist in defraying expenses of hosting the 2014 Southern Legislative Conference.

Authorizes the Legislative Auditor to transfer appropriations between line items in Section 2 without Legislative Council approval, except the Regular Salaries line item cannot be increased or decreased without committee review.

Permits Division employees to receive cost-of-living increases equal to other state employees and allows the Legislative Auditor discretion for merit pay, labor market adjustments, and salary increases up to 20% above maximum for up to one-third of authorized positions with proper approval.