The bill modifies the operations of the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee (JLARC) by extending the expiration date of certain statutes from June 30, 2025, to June 30, 2045. It allows for the extension of timelines for conducting studies and removes barriers to continuing the sustainable harvest study. Key amendments include the requirement for the legislative auditor to develop and implement criteria ensuring that resources allocated for program reviews are proportionate to the size and complexity of the program budget. Additionally, the bill mandates that the JLARC oversee an independent review of the methodologies and data used in the sustainable harvest calculation, ensuring that a completed review is submitted to the Board of Natural Resources and the legislature before the determination of the sustainable harvest calculation.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new considerations for the JLARC's performance audit work plan, including whether a planned review as part of a mandated, recurring study would provide the legislature with new or additional information. This aims to enhance the oversight and effectiveness of legislative audits. The bill also emphasizes the importance of independent third-party contractors in updating forest inventory and reviewing forest growth and yield modeling, thereby ensuring that the sustainable harvest calculation is based on accurate and comprehensive data.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 43.131.900, 43.131.051, 76.04.516, 79.10.320