ND HB1173

Amends section 54-35-02.2 of the North Dakota Century Code to expand the powers and duties of the legislative audit and fiscal review committee.

Grants the committee authority to recommend the legislative assembly reduce a state agency, department, or institution's appropriation if it fails to correct an audit finding within two bienniums that the committee determines critically important.

Requires the attorney general to receive evidence or information from the committee regarding suspected violations of law related to receipt, custody, or expenditure of public funds by state officers or employees, and to commence investigation and prosecution as warranted.

Maintains existing committee authority to study and review state auditor reports, confer with auditors and agency representatives, and request assistance and information regarding fiscal transactions and governmental operations.

Passed the House with a vote of 75-14-5 and the Senate with a vote of 30-15-2.