RI H7590

Establishes an independent Office of Inspector General to investigate, detect, and prevent fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement in the expenditure of federal, state, and local public funds across all Rhode Island government entities including cities and towns.

Inspector General appointed by majority vote of the Governor, Attorney General, and General Treasurer for a 5-year term (maximum two terms), requiring at least 5 years' experience in accounting, criminal justice, or related field plus a bachelor's degree.

Grants broad investigative powers including subpoena authority for records and witness testimony, access to all government records and executive sessions, and ability to conduct audits and compliance reviews with 10 business day response requirements from agencies.

Merges the existing Auditor General and Office of Internal Audit and Program Integrity into the new Inspector General office, with the Auditor General becoming a division head appointed by the Inspector General.

Requires annual public reports by April 1 summarizing fraud investigations, corrective recommendations, prosecutorial referrals, and recovered funds, with findings referred to the Attorney General or U.S. Attorney when criminal violations are suspected.