Bill > SB41

This bill, titled the "Inspector General Act," establishes an independent office of inspector general within the legislative branch of New Mexico's government to conduct investigations and inspections of state agencies. The purpose of this office is to enhance accountability and oversight, deterring and identifying fraud, waste, abuse, illegal acts, and corruption. The bill defines "agency" as any branch, department, or committee of the state, and "office" as the newly created inspector general's office. A key component is the creation of an "inspector general oversight committee," a permanent interim legislative committee composed of eight legislators, responsible for appointing the inspector general, setting their compensation, approving budgets, and establishing policies. The inspector general, who must be qualified in fields like accounting, law, or investigation and certified by a national organization, has broad powers to investigate agencies and their contractors, access records, subpoena witnesses, and report findings to relevant officials and the public, while also being required to cooperate with other law enforcement agencies and provide annual reports on their activities. The bill also appropriates $500,000 for the fiscal year 2017 to fund the operations of this new office.