Legislative Audit Subcommittee updates policies to govern investigatory work

The Legislative Audit Subcommittee approved updates to its approved practices and policies to reflect the Legislature’s recent statutory authority to authorize investigatory work by the audit office.

Cade (Auditor General) explained the change: statute recently added investigatory authority, and the proposed policy updates add procedural guardrails on how investigations would be initiated and conducted. Brian (audit staff) said the updates require co-chair approval before the audit office initiates a standalone investigation, set training and certification expectations for staff on investigations, require coordination with law enforcement when a criminal issue may be present, and reinforce independence and objectivity standards.

Brian said the policy language also preserves the auditor general’s current ability to open limited‑hours risk work to determine whether a full audit is warranted, while ensuring the subcommittee and co-chairs are notified and can approve escalation to full-scope investigations. The policy updates emphasize documentation and internal controls for investigatory activity.

President Adams moved to approve the updates; the committee approved the motion by voice vote.