Bill > H7155

This bill requires that any testimony, which includes oral or written statements, presentations, or reports, submitted on behalf of state departments, agencies, boards, or commissions (collectively referred to as "executive agencies") to the General Assembly or its committees must be officially authorized by the governor or their designee. This authorization, termed "official executive branch testimony," necessitates a written certification from both the head of the executive agency and the governor or their designee, confirming the testimony has been reviewed, authorized, and that its factual statements are accurate to the best of their knowledge, without knowingly omitting misleading information. This certification requirement specifically applies to factual representations and data, not policy judgments or opinions, and testimony lacking this certification cannot be relied upon by the General Assembly for legislative findings or oversight. The Department of Administration, in consultation with the governor's office, will establish rules and forms for this certification process, and the bill takes effect immediately upon passage.

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