HB2018 Summary

• Amends Arkansas Code § 19-4-105 to rename the "Internal Audit Section" to the "Office of Internal Audit" and remove the reference to Governor's Executive Order 99-08 as its sole basis for creation.

• Creates a new State Internal Audit Committee consisting of five members: one current or former Chief Internal Audit Executive or CPA representative, the Arkansas Legislative Auditor or designee, and three external members appointed by the Governor, Speaker of the House, and President Pro Tempore of the Senate.

• Grants the State Internal Audit Committee authority to approve appointment and removal of the Office of Internal Audit Administrator, conduct annual employee evaluations, review audit plans and reports, and oversee compliance with Institute of Internal Auditors' standards.

• Requires designated state agencies (including Department of Correction, Department of Health, Arkansas Public Employee Retirement System, and others) to establish internal audit committees with minimum three members, including the Office of Internal Audit Administrator or designee.

• Maintains confidentiality of internal audit working papers and preliminary drafts under the Freedom of Information Act exemption, but requires final audit reports to become public after presentation to the Chief Fiscal Officer, Governor, State Internal Audit Committee, or Arkansas Legislative Audit.