HI HR172

Requests the State Auditor conduct an audit of the Department of Education's capital improvement repair and maintenance project backlog, currently estimated at more than $1,400,000,000 with over 4,600 projects pending.

Directs the audit to examine the Department's processes for identifying and prioritizing repair and maintenance issues, including how projects are initiated and managed by the Facilities and Maintenance Branch.

Requires the audit to review the Department's procurement of services and how timely procurement may allow the Department to encumber appropriations to prevent funds from lapsing.

Mandates examination of contracts for projects with funding proposed to lapse on June 30, 2024, including factors leading to those lapse proposals.

Requires the Auditor to submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the Regular Session of 2025.