The bill introduces a new chapter, Chapter 9.4 titled "Inspector General," within Title 42 of the General Laws, aimed at establishing an independent administrative agency responsible for preventing and detecting fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement in the expenditure of public funds in state programs and operations. It defines key terms related to the office's scope and outlines the appointment process, qualifications, and term for the inspector general, who is to be appointed by a majority vote of the governor, the attorney general, and the general treasurer for a five-year term. The inspector general is prohibited from holding any other public office or engaging in political activities during their term and for one year after. The bill also details the powers and duties of the office, including the ability to promulgate rules, conduct audits, investigations, and reviews, and make recommendations to public bodies.

The bill grants the inspector general the authority to access records, issue subpoenas for documents, and initiate investigations. It specifies the procedures for issuing subpoenas, serving them, and the legal consequences for non-compliance, including the possibility of contempt of court. The inspector general is also tasked with maintaining the confidentiality of whistleblowers, reporting potential criminal violations to the attorney general or the United States attorney, and may institute civil recovery actions if authorized. The office is required to prepare annual and interim reports summarizing its activities, which are to be made public, subject to confidentiality provisions. The bill ensures that all records of the office are confidential unless necessary for their duties, and violations of confidentiality are punishable. The act will take effect upon passage.