The bill amends existing laws regarding the Government Operations and Audit Committee in South Dakota, specifically sections 2-6-2 and 2-6-4. It establishes that the committee will consist of ten members, with five appointed from the Senate and five from the House of Representatives, including members from the Judiciary Committee. The bill replaces the Department of Legislative Audit with the Legislative Research Council as the body responsible for providing assistance to the committee. Additionally, it clarifies the committee's powers to examine records, summon witnesses, and conduct investigations, allowing for the issuance of subpoenas for individuals or documents.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new procedures for the committee to enforce subpoenas and discovery processes, including the ability to take depositions and issue written interrogatories. It allows for the delegation of investigative authority to committee members or other individuals, who must adhere to confidentiality laws. The committee is also granted the authority to authorize expenditures from the legislative priority fund to fulfill its duties, with the stipulation that any subpoena must be ratified by the Executive Board of the Legislative Research Council before issuance.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/30/2025: 2-6-4
Senate State Affairs Engrossed, 02/10/2025: 2-6-4
Senate Engrossed, 02/13/2025: 2-6-2, 2-6-4