NC H799

Requires audits of local governments, public authorities, and local school administrative units be conducted by accountants certified by the Local Government Commission.

Auditors must be selected by governing boards through sealed bidding at least once every five years, based solely on cost, expertise, and time for completion, without knowledge of bidder identity.

Allows the Local Government Commission to require selection from a list of three certified accountants for governments that received investigative audits with findings from the State Auditor, with authority lasting up to three fiscal years.

Appropriates $3,520,000 in recurring funds for fiscal year 2023-2024 to the North Carolina Association of Regional Councils of Governments to employ 32 finance professionals across 16 regions to assist small local governments with compliance.

Becomes effective July 1, 2023, and applies to annual audits conducted on or after that date.