CA AB2790

Creates the office of Internal Audits for Veterans Affairs within the Department of Veterans Affairs with a chief auditor appointed by the Governor and subject to Senate confirmation.

Chief auditor conducts reviews and investigations at the request of senior management to increase efficiencies, improve operations, and reduce fraud, waste, and abuse in veterans homes, farm and home purchase programs, and other department functions.

Establishes a toll-free telephone number for reporting alleged wrongdoing in veterans programs, with postings required at all veterans homes and veterans service offices.

Protects the confidentiality of persons reporting information, prohibiting disclosure of their identity without written permission except in response to court orders or to law enforcement agencies.

Requires the chief auditor to submit annual summary reports to the California Veterans Board and appropriate legislative committees beginning January 1, 2020, with all provisions repealing on January 1, 2025.