SB 5002 is a bill from last session sponsored by Sen. Sam Hunt (D–Olympia) that reduces reporting requirements and makes other technical changes to state auditor duties. It passed the Senate on January 19 and Is scheduled for a hearing in the House on February 16.

A number of the changes impact cities. The bill:

• Requires the auditor to establish policies for local governments to immediately report loss of funds, loss of assets, or other illegal activity;
• Removes the annual reporting requirement for labor relations consultant fees;
• Removes required review of local tax levies; and
• Modifies performance audit requirements, including moving performance audits on transportation agencies under a separate transportation audit board to the authority under I-900 performance audits.

Date to remember

SB 5002 is scheduled for hearing in the House State Government & Tribal Relations Committee on Wednesday, February 16 at 8 am.