HB238 Summary

• Establishes the Office of the State Inspector General within the Department of Accounting and General Services, headed by a full-time State Inspector General appointed by the Governor with Senate confirmation for a four-year term.

• Inspector General must have minimum five years' experience in accounting, public administration, or audit investigations as a certified public accountant or certified internal auditor.

• Office investigates complaints of fraud, waste, abuse, or corruption by state agencies, quasi-public agencies, or their officers and employees; conducts performance reviews; and maintains internal audit standards.

• Inspector General and authorized officers have police powers including arrest authority, subpoena power, and authority to enter premises without notice; must report findings to legislature, governor, and agency heads.

• Appropriates unspecified general revenues for fiscal years 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 to cover administrative costs and staff; amends whistleblower protections to include reporting to Inspector General and criminal history records access for Inspector General's investigations.