Bill > H3156

This bill aims to improve government accountability by making several changes to the powers and responsibilities of the state auditor. Key provisions include: - Removing the use of gendered language (e.g. "him") and replacing it with more neutral terms. - Clarifying that the state auditor, rather than the governor, can remove deputy auditors. - Expanding the state auditor's authority to review new laws and regulations that have a significant financial impact on cities and towns. - Requiring administrative agencies to provide the state auditor with local impact statements when adopting, repealing, or amending rules that may affect municipalities. - Enhancing the state auditor's access to records, documents, and data, including electronic systems and confidential information, related to audits. - Mandating that audited entities provide written responses and corrective action plans in response to audit findings. - Increasing the state auditor's discretion in determining the frequency of audits for state entities, from at least once every 3 years to at least once every 5 years. Overall, this bill aims to strengthen the state auditor's oversight and accountability role within the Massachusetts government.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H3156