Legislative Joint Auditing [Source] Translate

The Legislative Joint Audit Committee met to review various reports and updates. The minutes from the January 9, 2026 meeting were unanimously approved. Representative Lundstrom reported for the Executive Committee, which met on February 12, 2026. They adopted previous meeting minutes, discussed ongoing audits, and denied a request for a special report on the IOM Fire Department. They approved inquiries to the Arkansas Department of Health regarding Title V grant funds, authorized the Arkansas Department of Administrative Services to retain a CPA for an annual financial audit, and requested information on circuit judges' caseloads in Benton County. Senator Johnson presented updates from the Standing Committee on Counties and Municipalities, focusing on delinquent private water and sewer audits, compliance issues with several towns, and referrals to prosecuting attorneys and the Attorney General. Representative Duke reported for the Standing Committee on Education Institutions, which reviewed 31 education audit reports. The committee noted repeat findings from Northwest Arkansas Community College and West Memphis School District, and identified scholarships awarded to ineligible students. Senator McKee reported on the Standing Committee on State Agencies, highlighting issues within the Department of Human Services, including improper benefit payments and unauthorized purchases, with ten reports filed during their meeting. Representative McAlendon discussed the Medicaid Subcommittee, which had not met since 2018. They reviewed the roles of various agencies in Medicaid and received presentations from the Department of Human Services and the Office of Medicaid Inspector General. A financial audit of Claiborne County revealed significant unauthorized disbursements from the county library, leading to criminal charges against the library director. A special report on the Charles W. Donaldson Scholars Academy at the University of Arkansas Little Rock highlighted issues with scholarship awards, including many awarded to ineligible students and administrative costs exceeding scholarship funds. The program ceased operations in 2024, with remaining funds returned to the Pulaski Special School District. The committee discussed the oversight of programs involving multiple institutions and the need for accountability in managing public funds. Concerns were raised about expenditures related to a federally created program, with comparisons made to improper spending by a librarian. It was noted that while some invoices were missing, nothing was found outside the program's broad scope. Representative Beatty inquired about the absence of school district representatives to provide their perspective on the audit, but it was confirmed that none were present. A motion to file the report was made, seconded, and passed without opposition. The meeting concluded with the announcement of the next meeting scheduled for March 12th and 13th, 2026, after which the meeting was adjourned.