S.C.R. No. 163 - Summary

• Requests the State Auditor to conduct an audit of the Department of Education's statewide backlog of capital improvement repair and maintenance projects.

• Directs the audit to include projects related to renovation of central, district, and program offices.

• Requires the Auditor to submit findings and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than 20 days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2020.

• Addresses a discrepancy in backlog reporting: the Department initially reported $293 million in repairs needed (2017), but later corrected the figure to $868 million.

• Cites the need for greater transparency and accountability to ensure resources are used effectively, noting the Department's creation of a capital improvement program project tracker system as an initial step.