HB 903 Summary

• Transfers the Chief Inspector General from the Executive Office of the Governor to a statewide position housed there for administrative purposes only, with the Chief Inspector General nominated by the Governor and approved by the Cabinet, responsible for all agency inspectors general including cabinet agencies

• Requires agency inspectors general to be appointed by the Chief Inspector General with agency head consent and to be certified by the Association of Inspectors General; changes removal procedures to require Chief Inspector General action in consultation with agency heads, with 21-day notice and Governor/Cabinet objection rights

• Expands the definition of "independent contractor" under the Whistle-blower's Act to include any individual or entity receiving public funds, and permits employees whose disclosures result in fund recovery to receive up to 15 percent of recovered amounts

• Requires agency inspectors general to establish internal and external procedures for receiving complaints, provide final investigation reports to the Chief Inspector General, and ensures at least one investigator is a sworn law enforcement officer

• Directs the Department of Management Services to adopt purchasing card standards and requires agency inspectors general to conduct periodic audits of purchasing card use