Bill > H4337

This bill grants the Legislative Audit Council (LAC) the power to issue subpoenas, compelling state agencies, their employees, and contractors to provide documents and sworn testimony for audit purposes, with penalties for non-compliance including contempt of court. It also expands the LAC's access to all agency records and facilities, even those normally considered confidential, except for certain tax information, and allows them to observe agency proceedings, including executive sessions, to ensure public funds are used effectively and efficiently. Furthermore, the bill revises the qualifications for the Director of the LAC, requiring a bachelor's degree and at least five years of accounting or auditing experience, with three years in a managerial role, and clarifies that all LAC records, except final audit reports, are confidential and not subject to public disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act, with violations of confidentiality resulting in misdemeanor charges and potential dismissal from public office.