MI HB4259

Auditor general may access and examine all books, accounts, documents, records, and electronically stored information of state branches, departments, offices, boards, commissions, agencies, authorities, and institutions, including confidential information.

Auditor general is subject to the same duty of confidentiality and civil or criminal penalties as the entity providing the information, but state officers and employees providing information to the auditor general are protected from penalties.

Auditor general may issue subpoenas, compel witness testimony, administer oaths, and enforce orders through circuit court to obtain necessary information for audits and examinations.

Attorney-client privileged records are excluded from auditor general access, and auditor general working papers and memorandums are exempt from public disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act.

Individuals who offer bribes or gifts to auditor general staff to influence examinations, or auditor general staff who solicit such items, are guilty of misdemeanor punishable by 30 days to 6 months imprisonment or $200 to $1,000 fine, or both.