SHB 1009 makes a number of changes to the State Auditor’s reporting requirements. The bill passed the House and has since passed out of Senate State Government, Tribal Relations & Elections Committee on Friday, March 15.
The bill as it passed the House made the following changes that apply to cities:
- Local governments must immediately report any known or suspected loss of funds, assets, or illegal activity to the Auditor’s office; and
- Removes specific audit functions and report requirements;
- The auditor is not required to conduct performance audits on transportation agencies; and
- The requirement to perform audits on long-term in-home care programs is removed. However;
- The auditor retains authority to conduct performance audits under I-900.
The Senate committee added an amendment to reinstitute the requirement for local governments to disclose in their annual financial reports to the Auditor's Office costs associated with labor relations consultant fees. That provision had been removed in the previous version. The Auditor’s Office indicated the information has never been requested and this report is unnecessary.
The bills next step is Senate Rules Committee.