Substitute House Bill No. 5422 seeks to reestablish the Legislative Program Review and Investigations (PRI) Committee as a permanent standing committee within the General Assembly, effective July 1, 2025. The committee will consist of twelve members, with equal representation from the Senate and House of Representatives, and will be responsible for conducting program reviews and investigations of state departments and agencies. Key insertions in the bill include the requirement for the committee to assess audit reports from the Auditors of Public Accounts and evaluate annual reports from quasi-public agencies to ensure compliance with statutory requirements. The bill also mandates that the committee submit these assessments to the relevant joint standing committee of the General Assembly. Additionally, it updates terminology, changing "chairman" to "chairperson," and clarifies the committee's powers regarding witness testimony and document production.

The bill also introduces significant changes to the Judicial Review Council's procedures, enhancing transparency and accountability in the handling of complaints against judges and magistrates. It allows for public inspection of complaints and investigations upon request and establishes timelines for filing complaints. The bill repeals certain provisions related to the Judicial Review Council and replaces them with new language that improves investigative processes and reporting requirements. Furthermore, it ensures confidentiality for public employees providing information to the PRI Committee and exempts the committee's investigation records from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act until investigations are concluded. Overall, sHB5422 aims to improve oversight of state operations and enhance the accountability of both state agencies and judicial officials.

Statutes affected:
Committee Bill: 1-122, 2-46, 2-47, 51-51l
GAE Joint Favorable: 1-122, 2-46, 2-47, 51-51l
File No. 548: 1-122, 2-46, 51-51l