CT SB00462

Establishes an independent Office of Government Oversight effective October 1, 2026, to detect and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse in state agencies, quasi-public agencies, and private contractors using state funds or property

Executive director appointed by Auditors of Public Accounts from three candidates submitted by legislative leadership committee, serving a five-year term with removal only for cause such as neglect of duty, gross misconduct, or felony conviction

Grants the office broad investigative authority including access to all government records and data, power to conduct preemptive inspections and investigations, and ability to seek court subpoenas to compel witness testimony or document production

Requires executive director to report findings to Chief State's Attorney, Office of State Ethics, Attorney General, or U.S. Attorney when there is reasonable belief of state or federal law violations, and submit annual activity reports by October 31 starting in 2027

Transfers whistleblower complaint review responsibilities from Auditors of Public Accounts to the new Office of Government Oversight, maintaining protections against retaliation for employees who report corruption, mismanagement, or waste