The bill establishes a new chapter, CHAPTER 9.4, in Title 42 of the General Laws, creating the Office of Inspector General as an independent and nonpartisan administrative agency. The purpose of this office is to investigate the management and operation of state agencies to prevent and detect fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement of public funds that harms the public interest. The inspector general will be appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate and must have at least ten years of professional experience in auditing, investigations, law enforcement, accounting, or a related area, along with a relevant bachelor's degree.

The bill outlines the jurisdiction, powers, and duties of the inspector general, which include investigating allegations of fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, reporting findings to the governor and other relevant entities, conducting special investigations at the request of the governor, and establishing procedures for receiving and resolving complaints. The inspector general is also responsible for educating agencies on the detection and prevention of misconduct and maintaining a statewide toll-free telephone number, website, email address, and physical mailing address for receiving complaints and inquiries.

Specific procedures are mandated for the inspector general before announcing decisions, including consulting with the relevant agency and allowing individuals who are the subject of the decision to respond in writing. The inspector general is granted authority to access agency records, interview personnel, and issue subpoenas as necessary for investigations.

Annual reporting requirements are established, requiring the inspector general to file a written report summarizing the activities of the office for the prior calendar year, including descriptions of investigations undertaken, recommendations for corrective actions, and summaries of matters referred to prosecuting authorities.

The bill includes protections against retaliation for whistleblowers, ensuring that no agency, officer, or official may take action against an individual for disclosing or threatening to disclose information regarding waste, fraud, or abuse to the inspector general, unless the disclosure was made with knowledge of its falsehood.

The act will take effect upon passage.