Annual audits of the North Dakota development fund; to provide for a performance audit of the North Dakota development fund; to provide for a legislative management report; and to provide an appropriation.
Impact
If enacted, the bill will necessitate the contracting of an independent third party to conduct the performance audit and will also establish a framework for presenting the audit results to the legislative audit and fiscal review committee. The appropriations for these audits are set at $250,000, classified as one-time funding from the general fund. This establishes a precedent for state-funded audits and seeks to enhance the accountability of state-funded programs, emphasizing the importance of financial oversight in government operations.
Summary
Senate Bill 2396 aims to enhance oversight of the North Dakota Development Fund by mandating annual financial audits as well as a comprehensive performance audit. The bill seeks to amend existing state code by requiring performance evaluations of the fund that assess its economy, efficiency, and effectiveness, offering an opportunity for legislative insights into how these funds are utilized over a specific review period from July 1, 2019, to June 30, 2024. This is to ensure that taxpayer money is being used appropriately and that the fund's operations align with state objectives.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SB2396 appears to be largely supportive among legislators, as evidenced by its strong passage through both houses, with counts of 90-3 in the House and 44-3 in the Senate. Advocates argue that the bill is a necessary step towards greater transparency and accountability in managing state funds, avoiding inefficiencies and mismanagement by ensuring diligent oversight. Critics, if any, have not been prominently highlighted in the discussions but may voice concerns over the resources allocated for these audits versus their perceived necessity.
Contention
Noteworthy points of contention may arise during discussions on the effectiveness of the proposed audits and whether the allocated budget of $250,000 is adequate for the thoroughness required by such evaluations. Furthermore, there could be debates regarding the implications of increased state oversight of development programs and whether this may lead to administrative complexities or hinder the fund's operational flexibility.
Expands authrority of State Auditor on performance audits of school districts; requires State Auditor to issue report on school district audits from precious five years; requires appropriation of $1.5 million to Office of State Auditor annually for audits.
Fees charged by the North Dakota private investigative and security board; to provide for a performance audit of the North Dakota private investigative and security board; and to declare an emergency.
The purpose of the North Dakota development fund, duties and talent strategy of the division of workforce development, the uncrewed aircraft systems program, the uncrewed aircraft systems program fund, the beyond visual line of sight uncrewed aircraft system program, and changing the name of the office of legal immigration to the global talent office; to authorize a Bank of North Dakota line of credit; to provide for a transfer; to provide an application; to provide an exemption; and to provide for a legislative management report.
The establishment of the immigration law clinic at the university of North Dakota school of law; to provide for a report; and to provide an appropriation.
A transfer from the strategic investment and improvements fund to the clean sustainable energy fund; to provide a deficiency appropriation; to provide for a transfer; to provide an exemption; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide for a report; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.