The bill S. 533 aims to enhance the powers and operational capabilities of the Legislative Audit Council in South Carolina. It introduces a new section, 2-15-130, granting the Council the authority to issue subpoenas to state agencies, their employees, and contractors, allowing them to examine various documents and compel sworn testimony. Additionally, the bill amends existing sections to expand the qualifications for the Director of the Legislative Audit Council, enhance access to agency records, and define the confidentiality of records more clearly.

Key amendments include the expansion of the Legislative Audit Council's access to records and facilities of state agencies, with penalties for non-compliance, as outlined in section 2-15-61. The bill also revises the definition of "records" in section 2-15-120 to encompass a broader range of materials, ensuring that all relevant documents are accessible for audits. Furthermore, it establishes penalties for individuals who obstruct the Council's audit processes, reinforcing the importance of compliance with the Council's requests. The bill is currently under consideration in the Senate Committee on Judiciary.

Statutes affected:
04/02/2025: 2-15-130, 2-15-40, 2-15-61, 2-15-120
04/04/2025: 2-15-130, 2-15-40, 2-15-61, 2-15-120
Latest Version: 2-15-130, 2-15-40, 2-15-61, 2-15-120