CT HB05433

Establishes an independent Office of the Inspector General effective October 1, 2014, to detect and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse in state personnel management, state property use, and collection and expenditure of state and federal funds by governmental agencies.

Inspector General appointed by the Auditors of Public Accounts from three candidates nominated by a committee of legislative leaders and committee chairs, with appointment requiring General Assembly advice and consent; serves five-year term and can be removed for just cause including material neglect of duty, gross misconduct, or felony conviction.

Grants Inspector General authority to conduct inspections and investigations of state agencies and quasi-public agencies, with access to all records and data; can apply to Superior Court for subpoenas to compel witness attendance or document production.

Requires Inspector General to report findings to the Chief State's Attorney or Office of State Ethics when state laws may be violated, to the Attorney General for civil recovery matters, and to the U.S. Attorney for federal law violations; must submit annual reports to the Governor and legislative committees by October 31 each year.

Transfers complaint intake and review responsibilities from the Auditors of Public Accounts to the Inspector General under existing whistleblower protection provisions, including protections against retaliation for employees disclosing information about corruption, mismanagement, and gross waste of funds.