HB 1508 Summary

• State auditor must report quarterly to the legislative audit and fiscal review committee on communication processes with audited entities, billing practices, audit completion details, and audit schedules.

• State auditor shall audit each state agency once every two years, except for the North Dakota lottery which requires annual audits under section 53-12.1-03.

• State auditor must use cost estimates for audits, implement itemized invoicing methodology, and establish a defined change order process for audits exceeding the original estimate.

• State auditor may contract with private certified public accountants for audits, with the affected agency notified of potential costs before requesting approval from the legislative assembly or legislative audit and fiscal review committee.

• Quarterly reports must include specific audit information: organization name and type, audit type and period, estimated and actual hours and costs, and total cost as a percentage of the audited organization's operating budget.