Bill > LD148

This bill changes the method of selecting the State Auditor from legislative election to statewide popular election beginning in 2028. Currently, the State Auditor is chosen by a joint ballot of Senators and Representatives, but starting in 2028, the position will be elected directly by voters in the same manner as the Governor. The bill maintains existing qualifications for the role, which require the State Auditor to be a certified public accountant or a college graduate with at least 6 years of professional accounting or auditing experience, including 5 years of auditing and 4 years in a supervisory capacity. In the event of a vacancy, the Governor would be empowered to appoint a successor, subject to confirmation similar to Supreme Judicial Court Justices. The bill also preserves the existing provision that if an elected State Auditor fails to become qualified as a certified public accountant, certified information systems auditor, or certified internal auditor within 9 months of being sworn in, they will be removed from office and the position will be considered vacant.