RI S2375

Establishes an independent Office of Inspector General to prevent and detect fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement in expenditures 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, limited to two terms, requiring at least 5 years' experience in accounting or criminal justice and a bachelor's degree.

Removal requires two-thirds vote from a group including the Governor, Attorney General, General Treasurer, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, and legislative leaders, with cause including neglect of duty, gross misconduct, or criminal conviction.

Grants broad investigative powers including subpoena authority for records and witness testimony, access to all public agency records, and ability to initiate civil recovery actions when authorized by the Attorney General.

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