HI HB2318

Exempts deposit beverage distributors who distribute fewer than 2 million containers annually from independent audit requirements.

Requires distributors of 75 million or more containers in even-numbered calendar years to obtain independent audits for the following year.

Requires distributors of 2-75 million containers in years ending in 4 or 9 to obtain independent audits for the following year.

Establishes minimum audit requirements including assessment of inventory report accuracy, verification of fees collected in transactions, auditor certification, and submission to the Department of Health by September 30.

Amends Act 12 (2022) which originally required all distributors to obtain independent audits for odd-numbered years, following a 2019 State Auditor report finding accounting exceptions among six of twenty-four distributors.