SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5377
AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS, MARCH 8, 1993
Brief Description: Changing duties of the legislative auditor and attorney general regarding the legislative budget committee.
SPONSORS: Senators Bauer, Oke, Wojahn, Barr, von Reichbauer and Winsley; by request of Legislative Budget Committee
SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Rinehart, Chairman; Spanel, Vice Chairman; Bauer, Bluechel, Cantu, Gaspard, Hargrove, Hochstatter, McDonald, Moyer, Niemi, Pelz, Quigley, Roach, L. Smith, Snyder, Sutherland, Talmadge, West, Williams, and Wojahn.
Staff: Steve Jones (786‑7715)
Hearing Dates: February 17, 1993; March 8, 1993
BACKGROUND:
The Legislative Budget Committee has broad authority to conduct performance audits, management surveys, and other studies and examinations relating to the effective operation of public bodies and programs. In specific instances where the Legislative Budget Committee or another legislative committee finds that a state officer has violated the state Budget and Accounting Act by making an improper expenditure, the legislative auditor may refer the matter to the Attorney General for further review and potential civil action.
SUMMARY:
The authority of the Legislative Budget Committee to refer matters to the Attorney General is expanded to include any alleged act of malfeasance, misfeasance, or nonfeasance by a state officer or employee. The Attorney General is required to promptly review the allegations and is authorized to take appropriate enforcement actions under any applicable statutes.
Appropriation: none
Revenue: none
Fiscal Note: none requested
TESTIMONY FOR: None
TESTIMONY AGAINST: None
TESTIFIED: No one