IA: Bill restricting state auditor's access to information heads to governor's desk [View all]

[RandySF]

A bill limiting the state auditor’s access to certain information heads to the governor’s desk Wednesday, despite concerns from Democrats and auditing groups that the measure will hamper investigations of waste and fraud and put federal funding at risk.

Senate File 478 passed the Senate on a 33-16 vote. Sen. Mike Bousselot, R-Ankeny, said the Legislature is acting as a “watchdog of the auditor,” in light of Iowa Supreme Court decisions on subpoenas by Democratic state auditor Rob Sand.

Bousselot said a 2021 Iowa Supreme Court decision highlighted the need to define in law when an audit begins. Another state Supreme Court decision in April found Sand’s office did not have the authority to investigate the Iowa Communities Assurance Pool (ICAP), an insurance pool providing coverage for hundreds of Iowa public entities. Sand initiated the audit after the Associated Press reported in 2019 that board members frequently held meetings at out-of-state resorts.

Bousselot said the court rulings show “legitimate public policy questions exist,” which the bill answers, and protects Iowans’ private information.



https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2023/04/26/bill-restricting-state-auditors-access-to-information-heads-to-governors-desk/