Kansas legislative leaders would appoint auditors to review state spending

The Kansas Senate president and House speaker would each appoint an auditor. Each auditor would report to the leader who appointed them and provide budget support. That leader could remove them. Auditors would need extensive experience and recognized qualifications in government finances, auditing, and analysis. The Legislative Coordinating Council would set their pay and approve travel expenses and allowances. If enacted, the proposal would take effect after publication in the statute book.

Auditors would have unlimited access to covered state financial systems and access to agency financial records. Systems access would cover accounting, budgeting, and spending tools used by the Legislative Research Department, Division of Accounts and Reports, and Division of the Budget. Records access would cover financial matters at any state agency. Auditors would follow the same confidentiality rules as the agencies holding the records and face applicable civil or criminal penalties for violations.

Auditors would review state spending and recommend changes to lawmakers. Reviews would cover waste, misuse, and spending that conflicts with lawmakers’ directions. Auditors would recommend spending cuts or changes. Legislative leaders could assign additional duties. Auditors would work with the Office of Inspector General and assist lawmakers in their own chamber. Each year, auditors would give spending summaries to their appointing leaders and audit reports and recommendations to legislative budget committees.