Bill > SF856

This bill establishes a new Office of the Inspector General (OIG) within the executive branch of state government, tasked with ensuring accountability, transparency, and integrity in state agencies and programs by investigating fraud and misuse of public funds. The Inspector General, appointed by the governor with Senate confirmation, will lead this independent office and will have broad powers to conduct investigations, issue subpoenas, and access data of any classification. The bill also creates a Legislative Inspector General Advisory Commission to recommend candidates for the Inspector General position and to oversee the office's work. Furthermore, it outlines specific duties for the OIG, including evaluating agency inspector general offices, facilitating interagency information sharing, and publishing reports on its findings. The bill also details the qualifications and appointment process for the Inspector General, establishes an Anti-Fraud and Waste Bureau within the OIG with law enforcement powers starting in 2028, and makes conforming changes to various statutes, including those related to data practices and reporting requirements for state employees and entities receiving state funds. Finally, it appropriates funds for the establishment and operation of the OIG and related coordination efforts.