Substitute House Bill No. 7090 proposes amendments to Section 2-90 of the general statutes regarding the Auditors of Public Accounts (APA) to enhance oversight and accountability. The bill stipulates that auditors will determine the scope and frequency of audits, with biennial audits mandated for state agencies and public bodies, while allowing for more frequent audits upon request from the Government Oversight Committee. Additionally, the APA is required to submit an annual proposed audit schedule to the committee, which can prioritize audits based on previous violations. The bill also introduces limited performance audits that can be requested by legislative committees and mandates that state agencies report corrective actions taken in response to audit findings within six months.

Key changes include the insertion of confidentiality requirements for auditors concerning records and accounts, while outdated language is deleted. The bill specifies that audit reports related to internal control structures or whistleblower identities are exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act. The fiscal impact is significant, with estimated costs for hiring additional staff for the APA ranging from approximately $195,647 to $667,920 in FY 26 and $253,062 to $864,560 in FY 27, along with associated fringe benefits. The effective date of the bill is set for October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 2-90
GOS Joint Favorable Substitute: 2-90
File No. 513: 2-90