Senate Bill 1301 Summary

• Establishes the Office of the State Inspector General as a new state office headed by an Inspector General appointed by the governor and confirmed by the senate for a six-year term.

• Grants the Inspector General authority to investigate fraud, waste, abuse, and corruption by state agencies and employees, receive complaints, prepare investigation reports, and notify law enforcement of potential criminal violations.

• Requires all state agencies and officers to cooperate with the Inspector General, provide access to premises and records, and promptly report allegations of criminal acts or financial impropriety.

• Authorizes the Inspector General and designated investigators to issue subpoenas, administer oaths, obtain warrants, and enforce statutes related to their investigations.

• Mandates annual reports to the governor and legislature by January 10 detailing significant problems, investigations completed, and corrective actions taken, while exempting the judicial branch from these provisions.