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State Legislature Oversight Wiki

State legislatures conduct oversight through committees and with help from partner agencies. In 2019, the Levin Center commissioned a report, Checks and Balances in Action: Legislative Oversight Across the States, that identified and analyzed the oversight mechanisms and activities in the 50 states. This site presents key information from that report while serving as a mechanism for collecting additional state-specific oversight data and facilitating updates by the states themselves or others.

We invite you to see how your state stacks up and to share what’s currently going on in your state!

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This wiki is not intended to be a comprehensive account of oversight efforts in the states, but an ongoing and collaborative effort. If you have corrections or additional information, please use the form to submit for review.

Suggestions for future additions, information requests, or general questions can be emailed to kgoedert@wayne.edu.

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Alabama

Seal_of_Alabama.svg
Legislature

Committee Oversight Authority

Below are rules issued by the Alabama legislature authorizing oversight by its committees. This information does not include oversight authority that may be granted to the legislature by state laws.

 

Senate Rules

“(b) Each committee shall have investigatory powers and is authorized to hold hearings on any subject under its jurisdiction, to require attendance, upon appropriate notice, of state government officials, state employees, or representatives of any entity receiving state or federal funds through a state agency to give testimony at such hearings, and to formulate reports and recommendations regarding the activities or actions of such agency or department being investigated or reviewed by such committee” (Senate Rule 49)

Standing Committees Focused on Oversight

Joint Contract Review Committee

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The Department of Examiners of Public Accounts shall furnish assistance and any relevant information to the committee. The committee shall have the responsibility of reviewing contracts for personal or professional services with private entities or individuals to be paid out of appropriated funds, federal or state, on a state warrant issued as recompense for those services. Each state department entering into a contract to be paid out of appropriated funds, federal or state, on a state warrant which is notified by the committee is required to submit to the committee any proposed contract for personal or professional services. Each contract shall be accompanied by an itemization of the total cost estimate of the contract. The department may, in lieu of the proposed contract, submit to the committee a letter of intent to contract. Such letter of intent to contract shall indicate the contracting parties, the services to be performed, an itemization of the total cost estimate of the contract, and such other information as the department may deem pertinent to the committee review of the contract. The committee shall review and comment where necessary on any such contract or letter of intent to contract within a reasonable time not to exceed 45 days after the department has submitted the contract or letter of intent to contract to the committee. Any contract made by the state or any of its agencies or departments in violation of this section and without prior review by the committee of either the contract or the letter of intent to contract shall be void ab initio. If the committee fails to review and comment upon any contract or letter of intent to contract within the aforementioned 45-day time period, such contract shall be deemed to have been reviewed in compliance with this section.

    "Should the department elect to submit a letter of intent to contract in lieu of a proposed contract, as authorized in the preceding paragraph, the department shall be required to submit to the committee for its information the contract described in the letter of intent upon the execution of the contract.

    "The committee shall have the power to issue subpoenas for any witnesses and to require the production of any documents or contracts it feels it needs to examine in the conduct of its duties" (AL Code § 29-2-41 (2022)).

  • Membership; forms; and meeting schedules and agendas available on website

Non-Standing Committees Focused on Oversight

Interim Alabama Research and Development Enhancement Oversight Committee

Committees do not have their own websites. Membership can be found on the Joint Interim Committees page.

 

  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: 
    • "(a) The Alabama Research and Development Enhancement Oversight Committee is created. The committee shall consist of the Chair of the House Ways and Means Education Committee or designee, the Chair of the Senate Finance and Taxation Education Committee or designee, two members appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, two members appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and the Director of ADECA or his or her designee. The oversight committee shall be charged with meeting at least annually and providing general oversight of the implementation of this article and the grant awards determinations, and recommending further statutory changes to promote research and development within Alabama.
    • "(b) The committee shall reflect the racial, gender, geographic, urban/rural, and economic diversity of the state.
    • "(c) For any year in which grants are distributed under the program, ADECA shall produce a quarterly report on the awarded grants and the status of grants under the program to the committee, including progress toward increased research and development activities in Alabama. The report shall also be published on ADECA's website; provided, however, that the details of any specific research project shall not be published on the ADECA website without the express written permission of the research entity applying for or receiving the grant. By June 6, 2020, ADECA shall produce a report on the increased research and development activities supported by grant funds" ((AL Code § 41-23-254 (2022)).

Interim Alabama Rural Broadband Oversight Committee

Committees do not have their own websites. Membership can be found on the Joint Interim Committees page.

 

  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: 
    • "(a) There is created the Alabama Rural Broadband Oversight Committee. The oversight committee shall consist of the Chair of the House Ways and Means Education Committee or his or her designee, the Chair of the Senate Finance and Taxation Education Committee or his or her designee, two members appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, two members appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and the Director of ADECA or his or her designee. The oversight committee shall meet at least annually, provide general oversight of the implementation of the article, and recommend further statutory changes to promote rural broadband development.
    • "(b) The oversight committee shall reflect the racial, gender, geographic, urban/rural, and economic diversity of the state.
    • "(c) For any year in which grants are distributed under the program, ADECA shall produce a report on the status of grants under the program to the oversight committee, including progress toward increased access to and adoption of broadband services. The report shall be provided at the oversight committee’s first meeting of the year and be published on ADECA’s website. ADECA shall provide a copy of the report to the Governor, the Alabama Senate President Pro Tempore, the Alabama Senate Minority Leader, the Speaker of the Alabama House of Representatives, and the Alabama House of Representatives Minority Leader. By March 28, 2019, ADECA shall produce a report on the availability of broadband within the state" ((AL Code § 41-23-214 (2022)).

Interim Children First Trust Fund Legislative Oversight Committee

Committees do not have their own websites. Membership can be found on the Joint Interim Committees page.

 

  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: 
    • "(b) The oversight committee shall consider recommending to the council a comprehensive plan to establish a grants program to assist parents in placing their children in accredited behavior modification programs."
    • "(d) The oversight committee shall review each community service grant awarded pursuant to this chapter to determine compliance with this chapter and the guidelines established in Chapter 24, the Community Service Grant Program Act of 1989" (AL Code § 41-15B-4 (2022)).

Interim Housing Finance Authority Legislative Oversight Committee

Committees do not have their own websites. Membership can be found on the Joint Interim Committees page.

 

  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "(f) There shall be established a legislative oversight committee to provide recommendations to the board concerning efficient operation of the authority.  The committee shall consist of seven members of the House of Representatives, one from each congressional district appointed by the Speaker of the House and seven members of the Senate, one from each congressional district appointed by the Lieutenant Governor.  The Governor, Lieutenant Governor and Speaker of the House or their designated representative shall serve as ex officio members.  The legislative members, after their initial appointment, shall be named at each organizational session and all members shall serve until their successors are properly qualified" (AL Code § 24-1A-4 (2022)).

Interim Legislative Committee On Homeland Security Oversight

Committees do not have their own websites. Membership can be found on the Joint Interim Committees page.

 

  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction:
    • "(c) The committee shall review the operations of the department and shall report thereon annually to the Legislature. The report shall include, but not be limited to, suggestions for legislation.
    • "(d) The department shall report quarterly to the committee the receipt and disbursement of federal funds for homeland security" (AL Code § 31-9A-15 (2022)).

Interim Legislative Oversight Commission on Workforce Development Division

Committees do not have their own websites. Membership can be found on the Joint Interim Committees page.

 

  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "(e) The commission shall monitor and evaluate the management and operations of the Workforce Development Division, shall recommend to the Legislature the enactment of such laws respecting the Workforce Development Division as the commission shall deem desirable, and shall submit a written report on the operations, finances and grants made by the Workforce Development Division during each regular session of the Alabama Legislature" (AL Code § 41-29-400 (2022)).

Interim Legislative Oversight Committee of Children in State Care

Committees do not have their own websites. Membership can be found on the Joint Interim Committees page.

 

  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "It shall be the duty of the committee to study and review the criteria for placing and keeping children in state care, to review the criteria for selection of child care providers by state agencies, to review the minimum base pay and distribution of funds for providers, to identify an accountability process for providers, to review the quality of care provided to children by state agencies, to identify an accountability process for state agencies involved in children's services, to review the availability of special services to meet the individual needs of children in state care, to gather input from service providers, state agencies, and children receiving state services concerning their experiences, concerns, and recommendations, and to coordinate the activities of the council" (AL Code § 29-2-103 (2022)).

Interim License Plates Legislative Oversight Committee

Committees do not have their own websites. Membership can be found on the Joint Interim Committees page.

 

  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction:
    • "(b) The committee shall:
      • "(1) Meet not less than once every six months.
      • "(2) Require that a simple majority of committee voting members be in attendance for conducting whatever business requires committee action.
      • "(3) Establish guidelines for the qualification of organizations which may sponsor a new or continued issuance of a license plate category, or may benefit from that issuance.
      • "(4) Approve, disapprove, or indefinitely postpone, by a vote of two-thirds of the members present at a committee meeting, a request for a new license plate category.
    • "(c) Decisions of the committee concerning approval, disapproval, or indefinite postponement of further action on a proposed distinctive license plate shall be interpreted to be the intent of the entire body of the Legislature, and separate, specific action by the Legislature concerning a distinctive license plate proposal shall not be considered" ((AL Code § 32-6-67 (2009)).

Interim Nuclear Energy Activities and Hazardous Chemical Toxic Waste Oversight Committee

Committees do not have their own websites. Membership can be found on the Joint Interim Committees page.

 

  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: 
    • "(c) There shall be no more than one commercial hazardous waste treatment facility or disposal site as defined by subdivisions (4) and (14) of Section 22-30-3 situated within any one county of the state. Provided, however, no commercial hazardous waste treatment or disposal site not in existence on or before December 31, 1988, shall be situated until: (1) a written proposal or application addressing the items found in subdivisions (d)(1) through (d)(7) of this section is submitted by the applicant wishing to construct such facility for review to the Select Joint Nuclear Activities and Hazardous Chemical Toxic Waste Oversight Committee, and; (2) said committee, upon due consideration of said application, presents to both houses of the Legislature its written report and recommendations regarding the proposed siting or construction of said facility, and; (3) the Legislature thereafter gives approval therefor by joint resolution.

      Provided, however, legislative approval shall not be required for industries with on site treatment, storage, and disposal of their own hazardous wastes.

    • "(d) In determining whether to recommend approval to the proposed siting or construction of a commercial hazardous waste treatment facility or disposal site, the committee shall consider and include in its written report to the Legislature an evaluation of the following criteria:

      • "(1) The social and economic impacts of the proposed facility on the affected community, including changes in property values, community perception, and other costs;

      • "(2) Costs and availabilities of public services, facilities, and improvements required to support the facility and protect public health, safety and the environment;

      • "(3) The relationship of the proposed facility to local planning and existing development to major transportation arteries, to existing state primary and secondary roads and to the hydrology of the area;

      • "(4) The location of the proposed facility in relationship to existing industries in the state that generate large volumes of hazardous waste and to the areas projected for development of industries that will generate hazardous waste so as to minimize the transportation distance between the major generators of hazardous waste and the proposed facility. The Alabama Department of Environmental Management and the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs and other appropriate state agencies shall provide the committee with data concerning said existing and projected areas of hazardous waste generation in the state;

      • "(5) The impact of the proposed facility on public safety and provisions made to minimize the risk to public health and safety;

      • "(6) The consistency of the proposed facility with the state's hazardous waste management needs;

      • "(7) The need for additional hazardous waste facilities.

    • "(e) The committee's written report shall be prepared and submitted to both houses of the Legislature in accordance with the committee's standard rules of procedure for transacting business" (AL Code § 22-30-5.1 (2022)).

Interim Permanent Legislative Oversight Committee for Information Technology

Committees do not have their own websites. Membership can be found on the Joint Interim Committees page.

  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "There is created a Permanent Legislative Oversight Committee for Information Technology to review the operations and performance of the Secretary of Information Technology and to promote the effective use of information technology in state government" (AL Code § 41-28-6 (2022)).

Interim Sunset Committee

Committees do not have their own websites. Membership can be found on the Joint Interim Committees page.

 

  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "Public hearings and receipt of testimony generally; burden of establishing public need for continuation of agencies; information to be provided by agencies under review" (AL Code § 41-20-6 (2022)).
  • Membership available on website

Fiscal Committees

Legislative Committee on Public Accounts

Committees do not have their own websites. Membership can be found on the Joint Interim Committees page.

 

  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: “[T]o exercise general supervision and control over the actions of the chief examiner and the Department of Examiners of Public Accounts” (AL Code § 41-5A-16 (2022)).

Permanent Joint Legislative Committee on Finances and Budget

Committees do not have their own websites. Membership can be found on the Joint Interim Committees page.

 

  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "It shall be the duty of the committee to make a careful investigation and study of the financial condition of the state, hold budget hearings, inquire into ways and means of financing state government and its programs, and report its findings and recommendations as herein provided" (AL Code § 29-2-80 (2013)).

Oversight Partners

Alabama Commission on the Evaluation of Services

Department of Examiners of Public Accounts

  • Website
  • Mission Statement: "The Department of Public Accounts exists to serve the citizens of Alabama by providing high quality, professional and independent financial and compliance audits to enhance public accountability, improve transparency as well as reporting capability and strengthen operational controls of state and local governments" (official website).
  • Most Recent Reports:

Legislative Services Agency

  • Website
  • Mission Statement: "To serve the State of Alabama by supporting the Legislature with expert, non-partisan fiscal analysis, legal advice, and bill drafting" (official website).
  • Most Recent Reports, Fiscal Division:

State Auditor

  • Website
  • Mission Statement: "The Alabama Constitution requires that the Office of State Auditor make a full and complete report to the governor showing the receipts and disbursement of every character, all claims audited and paid out, and all taxes and revenues collected and paid into the treasury, and the source thereof. The Auditor shall also make reports more often upon matters pertaining to the Office if required by the Governor or the Legislature.

    "The Code of Alabama 1975, Section 36-16-1 provides authority for the State Auditor to perform post audits of the accounts and records of the Treasurer and the accounts and records of the Department of Finance. In the post-audit of the Department of Finance and of the State Treasurer, every voucher for which a warrant is issued by the Comptroller is subject to the scrutiny of the Auditor" (official website).

  • Most Recent Reports:

Alabama does not have an Office of the Inspector General, but the Department of Corrections has its own.

Fiscal Data

  • Executive Budget Office
    • State receipts, general budget information, reports, appropriations, and more available on website
  • Open Alabama
    • Checkbook, monthly financial reports, annual comprehensive financial reports, and tax expenditures available on website
      • Data can be download in .xlsx and .pdf formats

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Alaska

Legislature

Committee Oversight Authority

The Alaska legislature has not issued any rules specifying the oversight authority of its committees.

Standing Committees Focused on Oversight

Legislative Council

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction:
    • "The legislative council has the power:
      • "(1) to organize and adopt rules for the conduct of its business;
      • "(2) to hold public hearings, administer oaths, issue subpoenas, compel the attendance of witnesses and production of papers, books, accounts, documents, and testimony, and to have the deposition of witnesses taken in a manner prescribed by court rule or law for taking depositions in civil actions when consistent with the powers and duties assigned to the council by AS 24.20.010 - 24.20.140;
      • "(3) to call upon all state officials, agencies, and institutions to give full cooperation to the council and its executive director by collecting and furnishing information, conducting studies, and making recommendations;
      • "(4) in addition to providing the administrative services required for the operation of the legislative branch,
        • "(A) to provide the technical staff assistance in research, reporting, drafting, and counseling requested by standing, interim, and special committees and spot research and drafting services for individual members in conformity with law and legislative rules;
        • "(B) to conduct a continuing program for the revision and publication of the acts of the legislature;
        • "(C) to execute a program for the oversight of the administration and construction of laws by state agencies and the courts through regulations, opinions, and rulings;
        • "(D) to operate and maintain the state legislative reference library;
        • "(E) to do all things necessary to carry out legislative directives and law, and the duties set out in the uniform rules of the legislature;
        • "(F) to sue in the name of the legislature during the interim between sessions if authorized by majority vote of the full membership of the council;
      • "(5) to exercise control and direction over all legislative space, supplies, and equipment and permanent legislative help between legislative sessions; the exercise of control over legislative space is subject to AS 36.30.080 (c) if the exercise involves the rent or lease of facilities, and to AS 36.30.085 if the exercise involves the acquisition of facilities by lease-purchase or lease-financing agreement;
      • "(6) to produce, publish, distribute, and to contract for the printing of reports, memoranda, and other materials it finds necessary to the accomplishment of its work;
      • "(7) to take appropriate action for the preconvening and post-session work of each legislative session including the employment one week in advance of each session of not more than 10 temporary legislative employees; the continuing employment of the temporary legislative employees is subject to legislative approval when the session convenes;
      • "(8) to establish a legislative internship program on a cooperative basis with the University of Alaska that will provide for the assignment of interns to standing committees of each house of the legislature during regular sessions of the legislature; and
      • "(9) to establish reasonable fees for services and materials provided by the Legislative Affairs Agency to entities outside of the legislative branch of state government and charges for collecting the fees; all fees and charges collected under this paragraph shall be deposited into the general fund" (AK Stat § 24.20.060 (2021)).
  • Membership; bills; and meeting schedule and details available on website

Non-Standing Committees Focused on Oversight

Fiscal Committees

House Finance Committee

Joint Legislative Budget & Audit Committee

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "[T]o provide the Legislature with fiscal analysis, budget review, and audit functions" (committee website).
  • Membership and audits; and meeting minutes, documents, and recordings are available on the website.

Senate Finance Committee

Oversight Partners

Division of Legislative Audit

  • Website
  • Mission Statement: "The Division's primary responsibilities are to provide transparency and hold state agencies accountable to state and federal laws. Audits inform the Legislature and the public about government operations" (official website).
  • Most Recent Reports:

Legislative Finance Division

  • Website
  • Mission Statement: "The Legislative Finance Division (LFD) provides non-partisan budgetary and fiscal analysis to the Alaska Legislature" (official website).
  • Most Recent Reports: 

State Ombudsman

  • Website
  • Mission Statement: "The Alaska State Ombudsman investigates citizen complaints about administrative acts of state agencies and determines appropriate remedies" (official website).
  • Most Recent Reports: 

Alaska does not have an Office of the Inspector General.

Fiscal Data

  • Department of Administration, Division of Finance
    • Financial reports: Annual comprehensive financial reports, checkbook, compensation and travel reports, payment detail reports, and more available on website
      • Data can be downloaded in .xlsx and .csv formats

American Samoa

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Legislature

  • Type of legislature: American Samoa has a part-time, bicameral legislature.
    • House of Representatives: 21 members | 2-year terms
    • Senate: 18 members | 4-year terms
  • Websites:

Committee Oversight Authority

The American Samoa legislature has not issued any rules specifying the oversight authority of its committees.

Standing Committees Focused on Oversight

Non-Standing Committees Focused on Oversight

Fiscal Committees

Oversight Partners

American Relief Plan Act Oversight Office

Territorial Audit Office

American Samoa does not have an Office of the Inspector General.

Fiscal Data

  • USA Spending
    • Grants, contracts, direct payments, loans, and more available on website

Seal_of_Arizona.svg

Arizona

Legislature

Committee Oversight Authority

The Arizona legislature has not issued any rules specifying the oversight authority of its committees.

Standing Committees Focused on Oversight

Joint Legislative Audit Committee

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The committee shall:
    • "1. Oversee all audit functions of the legislature and state agencies, including sunset, performance, special and financial audits, special research requests and the preparation and introduction of legislation resulting from audit report findings.
    • "2. Appoint an auditor general subject to approval by a concurrent resolution of the legislature and direct the auditor general to perform all sunset, performance, special and financial audits and investigations.
    • "3. Have the power of legislative subpoena in accordance with article 4 of this chapter.
    • "4. Require state agencies to comply with findings and directions of the committee regarding sunset, performance, special and financial audits.
    • "5. Perform all functions required by chapter 27 of this title relating to the sunset review of state agencies" (Arizona Revised Statutes §41-1279).
  • Membership and meeting agendas, packets, and videos available on website

Non-Standing Committees Focused on Oversight

Interim Administration Rules Oversight Committee

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "To review any proposed or final rule, summary rule, agency practice alleged to constitute a rule or substantive policy statement for conformity with statute and legislative intent" (committee document).
  • Membership available on website

Interim House Municipal Oversight and Elections Committee of Reference

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "To conduct sunset and sunrise hearings for state agencies, boards, and commissions that fall within the purview of the House Municipal Oversight and Elections Committee" (committee document).
  • Membership available on website

Interim Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on the Department of Child Safety

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "To review: (1) the Department's implementation of policy and procedures and program effectiveness; (2) all reports on program outcomes released by the Department to the Legislature for trends and areas for statutory improvement and audits issued by the office of the Auditor General related to the Department; and (3) policies and procedures relating to guardianships and dependency proceedings" (committee document).
  • Membership available on website

Fiscal Committees

House Appropriations Committee

Committees do not have individual websites. Membership and meeting agendas and minutes can be found on the Committee Overview webpage.

  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The Appropriations Committees in both the House and the Senate consider all bills that contain an appropriation of public money. The respective committees determine whether sufficient funds are available to cover the appropriations described in the bill...The Appropriations Committees must keep an accounting of projected revenues that will be available for appropriation each fiscal year and the amount of appropriation requests contained in the various bills...The Appropriations Committees consider state budget bills such as the state general appropriations ('feed') bill, the capital outlay bill and omnibus reconciliation bills (ORBs)" (Arizona Legislative Manual).
  • Subcommittees:
    • Budgetary Funding Formulas
    • Fiscal Accountability

Joint Legislative Audit Committee

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The committee shall:
    • "1. Oversee all audit functions of the legislature and state agencies, including sunset, performance, special and financial audits, special research requests and the preparation and introduction of legislation resulting from audit report findings.
    • "2. Appoint an auditor general subject to approval by a concurrent resolution of the legislature and direct the auditor general to perform all sunset, performance, special and financial audits and investigations.
    • "3. Have the power of legislative subpoena in accordance with article 4 of this chapter.
    • "4. Require state agencies to comply with findings and directions of the committee regarding sunset, performance, special and financial audits.
    • "5. Perform all functions required by chapter 27 of this title relating to the sunset review of state agencies" (Arizona Revised Statutes §41-1279).
  • Membership and meeting agendas, packets, and videos available on website

Joint Legislative Budget Committee

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The primary powers and duties of the JLBC relate to ascertaining facts and making recommendations to the Legislature regarding all facets of the state budget, state revenues and expenditures, future fiscal needs, and the organization and functions of state government" (committee website).
  • Membership; meeting agendas, packets, and videos; and budget analyses available on website

Senate Appropriations Committee

  • Committees do not have individual websites. Membership and meeting agendas and minutes can be found on the Committee Overview webpage.
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The Appropriations Committees in both the House and the Senate consider all bills that contain an appropriation of public money. The respective committees determine whether sufficient funds are available to cover the appropriations described in the bill...The Appropriations Committees must keep an accounting of projected revenues that will be available for appropriation each fiscal year and the amount of appropriation requests contained in the various bills...The Appropriations Committees consider state budget bills such as the state general appropriations ('feed') bill, the capital outlay bill and omnibus reconciliation bills (ORBs)" (Arizona Legislative Manual).

Senate Finance Committee

Committees do not have individual websites. Membership and meeting agendas and minutes can be found on the Committee Overview webpage.

 

Oversight Partners

Office of the Auditor General

  • Website
  • Mission Statement: "We are independent and provide impartial information, impactful recommendations, and stakeholder education to improve Arizona government for its citizens" (official website).
  • Most Recent Reports:

Ombudsman

  • Website
  • Mission Statement: "The mission of the Arizona Ombudsman-Citizens’ Aide is to improve the effectiveness, efficiency, and responsiveness of state government by receiving public complaints, investigating the administrative acts of state agencies, and recommending a fair and appropriate remedy. In addition, the Ombudsman - Citizens' Aide provides
    assistance and investigates complaints relating to public access laws and Empowerment Scholarship Accounts." (2022 Annual Report).
  • Most Recent Reports:

Arizona does not have an Office of the Inspector General, but the Departments of Corrections, Economic Security, Transportation, and Health Care Cost Containment System have their own.

Fiscal Data

Arkansas

Seal_of_Arkansas.svg
Legislature

Committee Oversight Authority

The Arkansas legislature has not issued any rules specifying the oversight authority of its committees.

Standing Committees Focused on Oversight

Joint Legislative Auditing Committee

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "[T]o provide for the auditing of each department, institution, board, commission, office, and agency of the state government for the purpose of furnishing the General Assembly with information vital to the discharge of its constitutional duties" (A.C.A. 10-3-407).
  • Membership and meeting agendas and videos available on website

Legislative Council

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The Legislative Council was established by Act 264 of 1949 to collect data and information upon which legislative decisions will be made during regular session of the General Assembly. The Bureau of Legislative Research of the Legislative Council is a service agency within the legislative department of government. All members of the General Assembly have access to the Bureau of Legislative Research. The Legislative Council is the supervisory committee for the Bureau of Legislative Research, and the council coordinates the activities of the various interim committees and through the various committees provides legislative oversight of the executive branch of government" (A.C.A. 10-3-301).
  • Membership; bills; reports; and meeting schedules, agendas, documents,  minutes, and videos available on website

Non-Standing Committees Focused on Oversight

Fiscal Committees

Joint Budget Committee

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The Joint Budget Committee considers appropriation bills and budget proposals submitted by the General Assembly" (A.C.A. 10-3-509).
  • Membership and meeting agendas and videos available on website

Joint Legislative Auditing Committee

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "[T]o provide for the auditing of each department, institution, board, commission, office, and agency of the state government for the purpose of furnishing the General Assembly with information vital to the discharge of its constitutional duties" (A.C.A. 10-3-407).
  • Membership and meeting agendas and videos available on website

Oversight Partners

Arkansas Legislative Audit

  • Website
  • Mission Statement: "The mission of Legislative Audit is to serve the General Assembly, the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee, and the citizens of the State of Arkansas by promoting sound financial management and accountability of public resources entrusted to the various governmental entities" (official website).
  • Most Recent Reports:

Auditor of the State

  • Website
  • Mission Statement: "As one of Arkansas’s seven constitutional officers, the Auditor of State plays a very important role in the day to day business of state government. The Auditor is the general accountant for the State and serves as the payroll officer for the Executive, Legislative and Judicial branches. In addition to these duties, the Auditor administers Arkansas’s Unclaimed Property (UCP) program, The Great Arkansas Treasure Hunt. Through the program, our office connects state residents with their unclaimed property and allows current and past residents to collect their property at any time" (official website).
  • Most Recent Reports:
    • Not available on website

Bureau of Legislative Research

  • Website
  • Mission Statement: "The Bureau of Legislative Research serves all 100 members of the House of Representatives and all 35 members of the Senate. The Bureau of Legislative Research is a principal provider of services to the members of the General Assembly both during legislative sessions and during the interim in between sessions. The Bureau strives to provide the best services possible to each member within the context of its duties to the General Assembly as a whole" (official website).
  • Most Recent Reports

Note: Most reports listed on website are 8+ years old.

Office of the Inspector General

  • Website
  • Mission Statement: "The mission of the Office of Internal Audit (OIA) is to earn and preserve the trust of Arkansans by promoting accountability, integrity, and efficiency in the operation of the executive branch of Arkansas government.  Our purpose is to support executive agency management in the discharge of their governance, risk management, and internal control responsibilities through independent, objective assurance and consultation activities of executive branch functions.  These activities provide executive agency management information that assists them in the achievement of their objectives surrounding efficiency and effectiveness of operations, internal and external reporting, compliance with laws and regulations, and safeguarding of state assets.  All work performed by OIA is conducted in accordance with the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing.  This work includes:
    • "Audit/Assurance Services,
    • "Consulting Activities,
    • "Coordination of statewide Control Self-Assessment Activities,
    • "Fraud Investigations, and
    • "Management Advisory Services" (official website).
  • Most Recent Reports
    • Not available on website

Arkansas' Office of Medicaid also has a dedicated Inspector General.

Fiscal Data

Seal_of_California.svg

California

Legislature

Committee Oversight Authority

Below are rules issued by the California legislature authorizing oversight by its committees. This information does not include oversight authority that may be granted to the legislature by state laws.

Assembly Rules

“(a)  The standing committees of the Assembly created pursuant to Rule 11, with the exception of the Committee on Rules, are hereby constituted Assembly investigating committees and are authorized and directed to conduct oversight hearings and to ascertain, study, and analyze all facts relating to any subjects or matters which the Committee on Rules shall assign to them upon request of the Assembly or upon its own initiative.”

“(c)  Each committee and any subcommittee, and its members, have and may exercise all the rights, duties, and powers conferred upon investigating committees and their members by law and by the Joint Rules of the Senate and Assembly and the Standing Rules of the Assembly as they are adopted and amended from time to time, which rules are incorporated herein and made applicable to the committee or subcommittee and their members” (Assembly Rule 11.5).

Senate Rules

“Each standing committee of the Senate to which a proposed law or bill is assigned has full power and authority during the session of the Legislature, or any recess thereof, to make an investigation and study concerning any proposed law or bill as the committee shall determine necessary to enable it to properly act thereon. In the exercise of the power granted by this rule, each committee may appoint a secretary and employ clerical, legal, and technical assistants as may appear necessary when money has been made available therefor by the Senate. Each standing committee is authorized and empowered to summon and subpoena witnesses, to require the production of papers, books, accounts, reports, documents, records, and papers of every kind and description, to issue subpoenas, and to take all necessary means to compel the attendance of witnesses and to procure testimony, oral and documentary. However, no committee may issue a subpoena, nor may a committee require testimony under oath, without the prior approval of the Committee on Rules. The Sergeant at Arms, or other person designated by the Sergeant at Arms or by the committee, shall serve any and all subpoenas, orders, and other process that may be issued by the committee, when directed to do so upon a vote of the majority of the membership of the committee” (Senate Rule 16).

Joint Rules

“A subpoena requiring the attendance of a witness or the production of documents may be issued by the President pro Tempore of the Senate, the Speaker of the Assembly, or the chairperson of a committee conducting an investigation only if permission has been secured from the rules committee of the respective house, or from the Joint Rules Committee if the subpoena is issued by the chairperson of a joint committee” (Joint Rules 35.5).

 

“In order to expedite the work of the Legislature, either house, or both houses jointly, may by resolution or statute provide for the appointment of committees to ascertain facts and to make recommendations as to any subject within the scope of legislative regulation or control.

“The resolution providing for the appointment of a committee pursuant to this rule shall state the purpose of the committee and the scope of the subject concerning which it is to act, and may authorize it to act either during sessions of the Legislature or, when authorization may lawfully be made, after final adjournment.

“In the exercise of the power granted by this rule, each committee may employ clerical, legal, and technical assistants as may be authorized by: (a) the Joint Rules Committee in the case of a joint committee, (b) the Senate Committee on Rules in the case of a Senate committee, or (c) the Assembly Committee on Rules in the case of an Assembly committee.

“Except as otherwise provided herein for joint committees or by the rules of the Senate or the Assembly for single house committees, each committee may adopt and amend rules governing its procedure as may appear necessary and proper to carry out the powers granted and duties imposed under this rule. The rules may include provisions fixing the quorum of the committee and the number of votes necessary to take action on any matter. With respect to all joint committees, a majority of the membership from each house constitutes a quorum, and an affirmative vote of a majority of the membership from each house is necessary for the committee to take action.

“Each committee is authorized and empowered to summon and subpoena witnesses, to require the production of papers, books, accounts, reports, documents, records, and papers of every kind and description, to issue subpoenas, and to take all necessary means to compel the attendance of witnesses and to procure testimony, oral and documentary. A committee’s issuance of a subpoena shall comply with Rule 35.5.

“Each member of the committees is authorized and empowered to administer oaths, and all of the provisions of Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 9400) of Part 1 of Division 2 of Title 2 of the Government Code, relating to the attendance and examination of witnesses before the Legislature and the committees thereof, apply to the committees. A committee may grant a witness immunity from criminal prosecution, pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 9410 of the Government Code, only after securing permission from the rules committee of the respective house, or from the Joint Rules Committee in the case of a joint committee.

“The Sergeant at Arms of the Senate or Assembly, or other person as may be designated by the chairperson of the committee, shall serve any and all subpoenas, orders, and other process that may be issued by the committee, when directed to do so by the chairperson, or by a majority of the membership of the committee.

“Every department, commission, board, agency, officer, and employee of the state government, including the Legislative Counsel and the Attorney General and their subordinates, and of every political subdivision, county, city, or public district of or in this state, shall give and furnish to these committees and to their subcommittees upon request information, records, and documents as the committees deem necessary or proper for the achievement of the purposes for which each committee was created” (Joint Rule 36).

 

Standing Committees Focused on Oversight

Assembly Accountability and Administrative Review Committee

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The Assembly Committee on Accountability and Administrative Review is charged with overseeing key state functions, including government efficiency, organization, and procurement. The Committee's policy jurisdiction includes the following:
    • "Administrative Procedure Act;
    • "Government efficiency and cost control;
    • "Office of Administrative Law;
    • "Property acquisition;
    • "State government organization and reorganization;
    • "State government oversight;
    • "State printing and binding contracts; and
    • "State procurement;

    "The Committee also conducts oversight hearings" (committee website).

  • Membership; publications; and oversight hearings schedule, agendas, and documents available on website

Joint Committee on Legislative Audit

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "With the goal of improving government performance, the JLAC independently and through the work of the California State Auditor’s Office (CSA) oversees the operations and finances of government and publicly created entities. The JLAC reviews and takes action on audit requests, which are submitted to the Committee from any Member of the Legislature. It also monitors government operations through oversight hearings" (committee website).
  • Membership; audit requests; and meeting schedule, agendas, and votes available on website

Non-Standing Committees Focused on Oversight

Fiscal Committees

Assembly Committee on Appropriations

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "Primary jurisdiction is fiscal bills, including bonds and alternative public financing" (committee website).
  • Membership and hearing schedules available on website

Assembly Committee on Budget

Joint Committee on Legislative Audit

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "With the goal of improving government performance, the JLAC independently and through the work of the California State Auditor’s Office (CSA) oversees the operations and finances of government and publicly created entities. The JLAC reviews and takes action on audit requests, which are submitted to the Committee from any Member of the Legislature. It also monitors government operations through oversight hearings" (committee website).
  • Membership; audit requests; and meeting schedule, agendas, and votes available on website

Joint Legislative Budget Committee

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The committee shall ascertain facts and make- recommendations to the Legislature and to the houses thereof concerning the State Budget, the revenues and expenditures of the State, the organization and functions of the State, its departments, subdivisions and agencies, and such other matters as may be provided for in the Joint Rules of the Senate and Assembly. The committee has a continuing existence and may meet, act and conduct its business at any place within this State, during the sessions of the Legislature or any recess thereof, and in the interim period between sessions" (2010 California Government Code, Article 7, Section 9140-9147).
  • Membership and meeting agendas available on website

Senate Appropriations Committee

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "[A]ll bills with a fiscal impact, as determined by Legislative Counsel, are referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee after they have been heard in their respective policy committees.  This can include bills that appropriate money, result in substantial expenditure of state money, or result in a substantial loss of revenue to the state" (committee website).
  • Membership and meeting agendas available on website

Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee

Oversight Partners

Legislative Analyst's Office

Little Hoover Commission

  • Website
  • Mission Statement: "The Commission's mission is to investigate state government operations and policy, and – through reports and legislative proposals – make recommendations to the Governor and Legislature to promote economy, efficiency and improved service in state operations" (official website).
  • Most Recent Reports:

State Auditor

  • Website
  • Mission Statement: "Our mission is to provide objective evaluations and effective solutions that enhance the transparency, accountability, and performance of California government for the people it serves" (official website). 
  • Most Recent Reports:

State Controller

  • Website
  • Mission Statement: "The California Controller’s Office ensures the state government’s monetary resources are independently accounted for and disbursed according to law in a timely manner" (official website). 
  • Most Recent Reports:

California does not have an Office of the Inspector General with broad jurisdiction, but some departments have their own that produce significant reports. The scope of the Office of the Inspector General listed below is limited to oversight of state prisons and parole operations:

Inspector General of the California Highway Patrol

  • Website
  • Mission Statement: "The Office of Inspector General (OIG) consists of the Audits and Inspections Units. The OIG conducts internal audits, reviews, and inspections in an independent and objective manner designed to add value and improve departmental operations and efficiencies. The OIG assists the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic and disciplined approach to identify, examine, evaluate, and manage departmental risk, and assess internal controls and governance processes" (official website).
  • Most Recent Reports:

Inspector General of the Department of Transportation

Office of the Inspector General

Fiscal Data

  • By the Numbers: State Controller's Office
    • Interactive data of revenues, spending, and more from local governments available on website
      • Data can be downloaded in .csv format
      • Graphs can be downloaded in .jpg format
  • Department of Finance
    • Budget, legislative analyses, and more available on website
      • Data can be downloaded in .csv format
  • Open FI$Cal
    • Expenditures from 184 departments available on website
      • Data can be downloaded in .csv format

Colorado

Seal_of_Colorado.svg
Legislature

Committee Oversight Authority

Below are rules issued by the Colorado legislature authorizing oversight by its committees. This information does not include oversight authority that may be granted to the legislature by state laws.

 

Joint Rules

“(a) It shall be the duty of the committees of reference of the House and Senate, the Capital Development Committee, and the Joint Technology Committee to keep themselves advised of the activities, functions, problems, new developments, and budgets of the principal departments, divisions, sections, offices, agencies and specified operations and programs of the executive department and the judicial department of state government, and of instrumentalities of state government, which are within the subject-matter jurisdiction of each committee. The chair of a committee shall, from time to time, invite the principal personnel of the respective departments, divisions, sections, offices, agencies, operations, programs, and instrumentalities under the committee's jurisdiction to appear before the committee to keep members so advised. Such personnel shall also furnish the committee with additional information as may be requested” (Joint Rule 25).

“(a) (1) The General Assembly or either house thereof may vest in any committee of the General Assembly or of either house thereof, a subcommittee, an interim committee, or a committee created by statute or by resolution, if all of the members are members of the General Assembly, the power to subpoena witnesses, to take testimony under oath, and to assemble records, documents, and other evidence by subpoena duces tecum or otherwise.

“(2) When the General Assembly is not in session, the Legislative Council may vest in any committee as described in (a) (1) above, the power to subpoena witnesses, to take testimony under oath, and to assemble records, documents, and other evidence by subpoena duces tecum or otherwise. The power to subpoena vested under this paragraph (2) shall continue until revoked by the General Assembly or the Legislative Council” (Joint Rule 33).

Standing Committees Focused on Oversight

Colorado Health Insurance Exchange Joint Oversight Committee

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The committee studies the implementation of Colorado's health exchange. It reviews and approves grants applied for by the exchange's board of directors to implement the exchange, approves the exchange's executive director, and recommends legislation on the operation of the exchange" (committee website).
  • Membership and meeting schedules, recordings, and live audio available on website

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The Committee on Legal Services is the legislative oversight committee for the Office of Legislative Legal Services and oversees the review of executive branch agency rules among other legislative duties" (committee website).
  • Membership and meeting schedules, recordings, and live audio available on website

Executive Committee of the Legislative Council

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The Executive Committee of the Legislative Council provides oversight over the legislative service agencies and their directors, establishes policies regarding legislative management and procedures, and introduces the annual legislative appropriation bill" (committee website).
  • Membership and meeting schedules, recordings, and live audio available on website

Joint Legislative Audit Committee

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The Legislative Audit Committee (LAC) is a permanent standing committee comprised of four senators and four representatives with equal representation from the two major political parties. The Committee is responsible for reviewing and releasing audit reports and recommending special studies. The LAC also recommends an appointment for State Auditor to the leadership of the General Assembly every five years" (committee website).
  • Membership and meeting schedules, recordings, and live audio available on website

Legislative Council

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The Legislative Council is the legislative oversight committee for the Legislative Council Staff, and is responsible for approving the Legislative Council Staff budget, approving written requests for interim study committees, reviewing legislation created by committees that meet during the legislative interim, and reviewing the ballot information booklet prepared by Legislative Council Staff" (committee website).
  • Membership and meeting schedules, recordings, and live audio available on website

Non-Standing Committees Focused on Oversight

Interim Legislative Oversight Committee Concerning Colorado Jail Standards

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "Oversees the Jail Standards Commission and make recommend legislation during the 2024 session. Jail Standards Commission: Must recommend standards for the operation of jails. A report including its recommendations is to be presented to the oversight committee by November 15, 2023" (committee website).
  • Membership and meeting schedules, recordings, and live audio available on website

Interim Legislative Oversight Committee Concerning Tax Policy & Task Force

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: 
    • "a. I. The committee shall meet at least four times each year and at such other times as it deems necessary. (a) (I) The committee shall meet at least four times each year and at such other times as it deems necessary.
    • "b. The committee shall annually define in writing, no later than the second meeting of the year, the scope of tax policy to be considered for the committee and the task force.
    • "c. I. The committee shall consider the policy considerations contained in the tax expenditure evaluations prepared by the state auditor pursuant to section 39-21-305. (c) (I) The committee shall consider the policy considerations contained in the tax expenditure evaluations prepared by the state auditor pursuant to section 39-21-305.
      • "II. The committee is responsible for the oversight of the task force.
    • "d. The committee may recommend legislative changes that are treated as bills recommended by an interim legislative committee for purposes of any introduction deadlines or bill limitations imposed by the joint rules of the general assembly.
    • "e. On or before January 1 of each year, the committee shall submit, and make publicly available on its website, a report to the general assembly. The annual report must briefly summarize the study issues, recommendations considered, and any actions taken by the committee and the task force during the previous year. The report must comply with the provisions of section 24-1-136 (9). Notwithstanding section 24-1-136 (11)(a)(I), the requirement in this section to report to the general assembly continues indefinitely" (CO Code § 39-21-403 (2021)).
  • Membership and meeting schedules, recordings, and live audio available on website

Fiscal Committees

Executive Committee of the Legislative Council

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The Executive Committee of the Legislative Council provides oversight over the legislative service agencies and their directors, establishes policies regarding legislative management and procedures, and introduces the annual legislative appropriation bill" (committee website).
  • Membership and meeting schedules, recordings, and live audio available on website

House Appropriations Committee

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The House Appropriations Committee conducts hearings on bills that change expenditures or revenues and affect the budget. The Committee typically reserves discussion for the fiscal impact of the bills" (committee website).
  • Membership, committee activity, and meeting documents and audio available on website

House Finance Committee

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The House Finance Committee generally considers matters related to a broad range of public finance proposals including legislation that affects the state's revenue and tax structure.  In addition, the committee has legislative oversight responsibility for the Public Employees' Retirement Association, Department of Revenue, State Treasury, and the Office of State Planning and Budgeting" (committee website).
  • Membership, committee activity, and meeting schedules, documents, and audio available on website

Joint Budget Committee

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The Joint Budget Committee (JBC) is charged with studying the management, operations, programs, and fiscal needs of the agencies and institutions of Colorado state government" (committee website).
  • Membership and meeting schedules, recordings, and live audio available on website
  • JBC Staff Website
    • Information about the budget process, meeting audio, staff directory, budget documents, and summary reports available on website

Joint Legislative Audit Committee

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The Committee is responsible for reviewing and releasing audit reports and recommending special studies. The LAC also recommends an appointment for State Auditor to the leadership of the General Assembly every five years" (committee website).
  • Membership and meeting schedules, recordings, and live audio available on website

Senate Appropriations Committee

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The Senate Appropriations Committee conducts hearings on bills that change expenditures or revenues and affect the budget. The Committee typically reserves discussion for the fiscal impact of the bills" (committee website).
  • Membership, committee activity, and meeting documents and audio available on website

Senate Finance Committee

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The Senate Finance Committee generally considers matters related to a broad range of public finance proposals including legislation that affects the state's revenue and tax structure.  In addition, the committee has legislative oversight responsibility for the Public Employees' Retirement Association, Department of Revenue, State Treasury, and the Office of State Planning and Budgeting" (committee website).
  • Membership, committee activity, and meeting schedules, documents, and audio available on website

Oversight Partners

Office of the State Auditor

  • Website
  • Mission Statement: "We promote accountability and help the General Assembly fulfill its legislative oversight responsibilities by providing independent, objective, thorough, and credible information about whether government officials and agencies are using their authority and public resources properly and in compliance with laws and regulations; whether government programs are achieving their objectives and desired outcomes; and whether government services are being provided effectively, efficiently, economically, ethically, and equitably" (official website).
  • Most Recent Reports:

Colorado does not have an Office of the Inspector General, but the Department of Corrections has its own.

Fiscal Data

  • General Assembly: Explore the Colorado State Budget
    • Introduction to the state budget, how it is created, and where the money comes from, including interactive data on department operating funds and how different kinds of taxes are spent
      • Graphs can be downloaded in .png, .pdf, and .pptx formats
  • Office of State Planning and Budgeting
    • Budget, economic outlook, emergency and stimulus funds reports, research, and more available on website
  • Transparency Online Project
    • Interactive revenue and expenditure data that can be filtered by vender, department, division, fund, date, and more.
      • Data can be downloaded in .xlsx and .csv formats

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Connecticut

Legislature

Committee Oversight Authority

The Connecticut legislature has not issued any rules specifying the oversight authority of its committees.

Standing Committees Focused on Oversight

Joint Committee on Legislative Management

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "It shall be responsible for the operation of the General Assembly, coordination and supervision of committee work, improvement of legislative operations and deciding on matters of organization, procedures, facilities and working conditions of the General Assembly and compensation of employees of the legislative branch. All bills and resolutions relating to such matters shall be referred to said committee. The committee shall also have cognizance of legislative task forces and studies" (committee website).
  • Membership; meeting agendas and minutes; and hearing agendas, testimony, and transcripts available on website

Non-Standing Committees Focused on Oversight

Fiscal Committees

Joint Appropriations Committee

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The committee has cognizance of all matters relating to appropriations and the budgets of state agencies. Other issues under the committee's jurisdiction include matters relating to state employees' salaries, benefits and retirement, teachers' retirement and veterans' pensions and collective bargaining agreements and arbitration awards for all state employees" (committee website).
  • Membership; meeting agendas and minutes; and hearing agendas, testimony, and transcripts available on website

Joint Finance, Revenue, and Bonding Committee

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee has jurisdiction over all matters relating to finance, revenue, capital bonding, fees and taxation. The committee also has cognizance over employer contributions for unemployment compensation and all matters relating to the Department of Revenue Services and the revenue aspects of the Division of Special Revenue" (committee website).
  • Membership; meeting agendas and minutes; and hearing agendas, testimony, and transcripts available on website

Oversight Partners

Office of the Auditors and Public Accounts

  • Website
  • Mission Statement: "Our goal is to serve the public interest regarding fiscal and compliance matters related to the State of Connecticut. To accomplish this goal, the Auditors of Public Accounts provides independent, unbiased, and objective opinions and recommendations on the operations of state government and the state’s effectiveness in safeguarding resources" (official website).
  • Most Recent Reports:

Office of Fiscal Analysis

  • Website
  • Mission Statement: "The Office of Fiscal Analysis (OFA) is the nonpartisan fiscal research and analysis office for the Connecticut General Assembly. OFA was created in 1973 to provide a source of fiscal information and analysis that both Democrats and Republicans could rely on as unbiased and independent" (official website).
  • Most Recent Reports: 

Office of Legislative Research

  • Website
  • Mission Statement: "The Office of Legislative Research (OLR) provides nonpartisan, objective research for all 187 members of the Connecticut General Assembly and their caucus staff" (official website).
  • Most Recent Reports:

Office of the State Comptroller

  • Website
  • Mission Statement: "To provide accounting and financial services, to administer employee and retiree benefits, to develop accounting policy and exercise accounting oversight, and to prepare financial reports for state, federal and municipal governments and the public" (official website).
  • Most Recent Reports:

Connecticut does not have an Office of the Inspector General, but the Division of Criminal Justice has its own that produces significant reports on in-custody deaths and police-involved use of force.

Fiscal Data

  • OpenConnecticut
    • Interactive data on state financial information including operating expenses, open expenditures, state payroll and pensions, taxes, and more available on website
      • Data can be downloaded in .csv format
      • Graphs can be downloaded in .jpg format

Delaware

Seal_of_Delaware.svg
Legislature

Committee Oversight Authority

Below are rules issued by the Delaware legislature authorizing oversight by its committees. This information does not include oversight authority that may be granted to the legislature by state laws.

House Rules

“(d) Upon a majority vote of the full committee, a subpoena may be requested by the committee and presented to the Speaker for consideration pursuant to Rule 11” (House Rule 35).

Senate Rules

“(a)(1) The Senate may require the attendance of a person or production of documents by a person by subpoena issued under this rule by a majority vote of its members. The President Pro Tempore shall sign, and the Secretary shall attest, a subpoena issued under this paragraph (a)(1).

"(2) The Chair of a standing or special committee of the Senate or a task force or similar entity created by the Senate or action of the General Assembly may require the attendance of a person or production of documents by a person by subpoena. To be valid, the President Pro Tempore must sign, and the Secretary must attest, a subpoena issued under this paragraph (a)(2).

"(b) A subpoena issued under this rule must be in writing.

"(c) A member of the Senate may administer oaths or affirmations to witnesses in connection with a hearing or investigation conducted by the Senate or a committee to which the member is appointed.

"(d) Whoever having been summoned as provided in subsection (a) of this rule willfully makes default or whoever, having appeared, refuses to answer any question pertinent to the question under inquiry or whoever having possession of records required in a subpoena fails to produce the same is to be fined not more than $1,000, or imprisoned not more than 12 months, or both.

"(e) Nothing in this section is to be construed as a waiver by the Senate of its inherent right to issue subpoenas and to punish for contempt of the Senate without the intervention of a court” (Senate Rule 60).

Standing Committees Focused on Oversight

House Sunset Committee (Policy Analysis & Government Accountability)

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: Not defined on website
  • Membership; reports; and meeting schedule and notices available on website

Joint Legislative Oversight and Sunset Committee

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "JLOSC performs periodic legislative review of agencies, commissions or boards. The purpose of the review is to determine whether or not there is a genuine public need for the agency and, if so, determine if the agency is effectively performing to meet that need. The purpose of this chapter is not to terminate agencies which are sufficiently meeting a recognized State need and which are accountable to and responsive to the public interests.  Rather, the purpose is to use the review mechanism to strengthen and support these agencies" (committee website). There are five members from the Senate and five from the House.
  • Membership and meeting schedules and minutes available on website

Senate Legislative Oversight & Sunset Committee

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: Not defined on website
  • Membership; reports; and meeting schedule and notices available on website

Legislative Council

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "Legislative Council oversees the two nonpartisan, confidential legislative agencies, the Division of Research and the Office of the Controller General. Staff support for Legislative Council is provided by the Division of Research" (council website).
  • Membership and meeting schedules and minutes available on website

Non-Standing Committees Focused on Oversight

Fiscal Committees

House Appropriations Committee

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "Each bill or joint resolution, whether emanating from the House or the Senate, containing an appropriation or which may involve any net financial loss or obligation on the part of the State, including Transportation Trust Funds, if any, of $50,000 or more in any one (1) of the next three (3) fiscal years (which has been previously referred by the Speaker under the Rules to any committee of the House other than the Committee on Appropriations) shall, after the same has been reported back to the House, be referred to the Committee on Appropriations" (Rules of the House of Representatives).
  • Membership and meeting schedules and minutes available on website

Joint Finance Committee

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The Joint Finance Committee (JFC) is responsible for writing the annual appropriations (operating budget) and grant-in-aid acts" (committee website).
  • Membership and meeting schedules and minutes available on website

Legislative Council

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "Legislative Council oversees the two nonpartisan, confidential legislative agencies, the Division of Research and the Office of the Controller General. Staff support for Legislative Council is provided by the Division of Research" (council website).
  • Membership and meeting schedules and minutes available on website

Oversight Partners

Division of Research

Office of Auditor of Accounts

  • Website
  • Mission Statement: "The Delaware State Auditor serves Delawareans by providing independent objective oversight of the state government’s use of taxpayer dollars with the goal of deterring fraud, waste and abuse through unbiased assessments, including the use of various audits, special reports, and investigations of financial operations designed to ensure statutory compliance while enhancing governmental economy, efficiency and effectiveness" (official website).
  • Most Recent Reports:

Office of the Controller General

  • Website
  • Mission Statement: "The Office of the Controller General (OCG) provides nonpartisan fiscal analyses to the General Assembly and fiscal staff support to the Joint Finance Committee and the Joint Committee on the Capital Improvement Program" (official website).
  • Most Recent Reports: Not available on website

Delaware does not have an Office of the Inspector General.

Fiscal Data

Seal_of_the_District_of_Columbia.svg

District of Columbia

Legislature

Committee Oversight Authority

Below are rules issued by the D.C. Council authorizing oversight by its committees. This information does not include oversight authority that may be granted to the Council by other laws.

 

“The Council, any standing committee of the Council, an ad hoc committee, and, if authorized by the resolution establishing it, any special committee, may subpoena the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of documents and other tangible items at meetings, hearings, and depositions in connection with an investigation” (Council Rules, Article VI, 601).

Standing Committees Focused on Oversight

Committee on Business and Economic Development

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The Committee on Business and Economic Development is responsible for matters affecting concerning small and local business development policy; matters related to economic, industrial, and commercial development; the disposition of property for economic-development purposes; the regulation of alcoholic beverages; public utilities; the operation of business improvement districts (“BIDs”) and oversight of BIDS, but not including the establishment of BIDs; the regulation of banks and banking activities, securities, and insurance, including private health insurance, but not including the Health Benefit Exchange; and the regulation of for-hire vehicles."

    "The following agencies come within the purview of the Committee on Business and Economic Development:
    • Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration
    • Board of Accountancy
    • Board of Architecture, Interior Design, and Landscape Architecture
    • Board of Barber and Cosmetology
    • Board of Consumer Claims Arbitration for the District of Columbia
    • Board of Funeral Directors
    • Board of Professional Engineering
    • Captive Insurance Agency
    • Combat Sports Commission
    • Commission on Nightlife and Culture
    • Commission to Commemorate and Recognize Charles Hamilton Houston and for His Contributions to the American Civil Rights Movement, Education, and the Legal Profession
    • Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking
    • Department of Small and Local Business Development
    • Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development
    • Destination DC
    • Innovation and Technology Inclusion Council
    • Multistate Tax Commission
    • Office of Lottery and Gaming
    • Office of Nightlife and Culture
    • Office of the Chief Financial Officer (not including the Office of Budget and Planning)
    • Office of the People’s Counsel
    • Public Service Commission
    • Real Property Tax Appeals Commission for the District of Columbia
    • St. Elizabeth’s East Redevelopment Initiative Advisory Board
    • Walter Reed Army Medical Center Site Reuse Advisory Committee
    • Washington Convention and Sports Authority/Events DC" (Rules of Organization and Procedure for the Committee on Business and Economic Development, Article II).
  • Membership, committee rules, and agencies under committee available on website

Committee on Executive Administration and Labor

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "(a) The Committee on Executive Administration and Labor is responsible for matters related to the Executive Office of the Mayor; matters related to seniors; government ethics; elections and campaign finance; labor relations; matters related to workforce development; and employment.

    "(b) The following agencies come within the purview of the Committee on Executive Administration and Labor:

    • Adult Career Pathways Task Force

    • Advisory Committee on Community Use of Public Space

    • Age-Friendly DC Task Force

    • Apprenticeship Council

    • Board of Ethics and Government Accountability

    • Campaign Finance Board

    • Commission on Aging

    • Commission on the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday

    • Department of Aging and Community Living

    • Department of Employment Services

    • Department of Human Resources

    • District of Columbia Board of Elections

    • Employees’ Compensation Fund

    • Executive Office of the Mayor

    • Financial Literacy Council

    • Labor/Management Partnership Council

    • Mayor’s Office of Legal Counsel

    • Occupational Safety and Health Board

    • Office of Campaign Finance

    • Office of Employee Appeals

    • Office of Labor Relations and Collective Bargaining

    • Office of the City Administrator

    • Office of the Inspector General

    • Office of the Secretary of the District of Columbia

    • Office of the Senior Advisor

    • Public Employee Relations Board

    • Unemployment Compensation Fund

    • Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund

    • Universal Paid Leave Fund

    • Workforce Investment Council

    • Workforce Investment Fund

    • Youth Apprenticeship Advisory Committee" (Article II, Period XXV, Section D-233).

  • Membership, committee rules, and agencies under committee available on website

Committee on Facilities and Family Services

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "(a) The Committee on Facilities and Family Services is responsible for matters concerning welfare; social services; disability services; and matters relating to the maintenance of public buildings and property management, including the declaration of government property as no longer required for public purposes.

    "(b) The following agencies come within the purview of the Committee on Facilities and Family Services:

    • "Advisory Committee on Child Abuse and Neglect

    • Child and Family Services Agency

    • Citizen Review Panel on Child Abuse and Neglect

    • Commission on Persons with Disabilities

    • Commission on Poverty

    • Department of Buildings (jointly for oversight purposes only with the Committee of the Whole)

    • Department of General Services

    • Department on Disability Services

    • Developmental Disabilities State Planning Council

    • Office for the Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing

    • Office of Disability Rights

    • Office of the Ombudsperson for Children

    • State Rehabilitation Council

    • Statewide Independent Living Council" (Article II, Period XXV, Section D-234).

       

  • Membership, committee rules, and agencies under committee available on website

Committee on Health

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The Committee on Health is responsible for matters concerning health, including environmental health; the regulation of health occupations and professions, and health care inspectors; and joint jurisdiction with the Committee on Hospital and Health Equity on matters and agencies within the purview of the Committee on Hospital and Health Equity" (Rules for the Committee on Health, Article III, Sec. 301).

    "(b) The following agencies come within the purview of the Committee on Health:

    • Advisory Committee on Acupuncture
    • Advisory Committee on Anesthesiologist Assistants
    • Advisory Committee on Clinical Laboratory Practitioners
    • Advisory Committee on Naturopathic Medicine
    • Advisory Committee on Physician Assistants
    • Advisory Committee on Polysomnography
    • Advisory Committee on Surgical Assistants
    • Board of Allied Health
    • Board of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology
    • Board of Behavioral Health
    • Board of Chiropractic
    • Board of Dentistry
    • Board of Dietetics and Nutrition
    • Board of Long-Term Care Administration
    • Board of Marriage and Family Therapy
    • Board of Massage Therapy
    • Board of Medicine
    • Board of Nursing
    • Board of Occupational Therapy
    • Board of Optometry
    • Board of Pharmacy
    • Board of Physical Therapy
    • Board of Podiatry
    • Board of Professional Counseling
    • Board of Psychology
    • Board of Respiratory Care
    • Board of Social Work
    • Board of Veterinary Medicine
    • Cedar Hill Hospital on the St. Elizabeth’s campus
    • Commission on Health Disparities
    • Commission on Health Equity
    • Commission on HIV/AIDS
    • Committee on Metabolic Disorders
    • Council on Physical Fitness, Health, and Nutrition
    • Department of Behavioral Health
    • Department of Health
    • Department of Health Care Finance
    • District of Columbia Health Benefit Exchange Authority
    • Food Policy Council
    • Health Information Exchange Policy Board
    • Health Literacy Council
    • Medicaid Reserve
    • Mental Health Planning Council
    • Metropolitan Washington Regional Ryan White Planning Council
    • Not-For-Profit Hospital Corporation
    • Office of the Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services
    • Perinatal and Infant Health Advisory Committee
    • Statewide Health Coordinating Council" (Rules for the Committee on Health, Article III, Sec. 302).
  • Membership, committee rules, and agencies under committee available on website

Committee on Hospital and Health Equity

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "(a) The Committee on  Hospital and Health Equity is responsible for matters concerning the United Medical Center and Cedar Hill hospitals and health equity in general.

    "(b) The following agencies come within the purview of the Committee on Hospital and Health Equity for the purpose of oversight (not legislation), shared jointly with the Committee on Health:
    • Cedar Hill Hospital on the St. Elizabeth’s campus
    • Commission on Health Disparities
    • Commission on Health Equity
    • Department of Health Care Finance
    • Not-For-Profit Hospital Corporation
    • Office of the Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services" (Article II, Period XXV, Section D-236).
  • Membership and agencies under committee available on website

Committee on Housing

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "(a) The Committee on Housing is responsible for matters relating to the development, maintenance, preservation, and regulation of housing stock, including rental housing and public housing; neighborhood revitalization, development, improvement, and stabilization; joint jurisdiction for the purpose of oversight (not legislation) with the Committee on Business and Economic Development for New Communities; urban affairs; homelessness; housing vouchers; matters regarding Advisory Neighborhood Commissions; and matters regarding returning citizens.

    "(b) The following agencies come within the purview of the Committee on Housing:
    • Advisory Neighborhood Commissions
    • Board of Real Estate Appraisers
    • Condominium Association Advisory Council
    • Commission on Re-Entry and Returning Citizen Affairs
    • Department of Housing and Community Development
    • Department of Human Services
    • District of Columbia Housing Authority
    • Housing and Community Development Reform Commission
    • Housing Finance Agency
    • Housing Production Trust Fund
    • Interagency Council on Homelessness
    • Office on Returning Citizen Affairs
    • Office of Advisory Neighborhood Commissions
    • Office of the Tenant Advocate
    • Office-to-Affordable-Housing Task Force
    • Real Estate Commission
    • Rental Housing Commission" (Article II, Period XXV, Section D-237).
  • Membership and agencies under committee available on website

Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety is responsible for matters affecting the judiciary and judicial procedure that are within the authority of the Council; matters affecting decedents’ estates and fiduciary affairs; matters affecting criminal law and procedure; juvenile justice; elections; campaign finance; matters arising from or pertaining to the police and fire regulations of the District of Columbia; and other matters related to police protection, correctional institutions (including youth corrections), fire prevention, emergency medical services, homeland security, criminal justice, and public safety. The Committee shall also serve as the Council’s liaison to federal partners in the justice system, including the United States Attorney for the District of Columbia, the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia, the District of Columbia Courts, the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency, the Pretrial Services Agency, the Federal Bureau of Prisons, and the United States Parole Commission" (Rules for the Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety, Article II, Sec. 201).

    The following agencies come within the purview of the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety:
    • Access to Justice Initiative
    • Child Fatality Review Committee
    • Child Support Guideline Commission
    • Clemency Board
    • Commission on Judicial Disabilities and Tenure
    • Commission on Women
    • Comprehensive Homicide Elimination Strategy Task Force
    • Concealed Pistol Licensing Review Board
    • Corrections Information Council
    • Criminal Code Reform Commission
    • Criminal Justice Coordinating Council
    • Department of Corrections
    • Department of Forensic Sciences, or successor agency
    • Developmental Disabilities Fatality Review Committee
    • District of Columbia Judicial Nomination Commission
    • District of Columbia National Guard
    • District of Columbia Sentencing Commission
    • Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board
    • Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department
    • Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency
    • Homeland Security Commission
    • Juvenile Justice Advisory Group
    • Maternal Mortality Review Committee
    • Metropolitan Police Department
    • Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention Commission
    • Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement
    • Office of Police Complaints
    • Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia
    • Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
    • Office of the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice
    • Office of Unified Communications
    • Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants
    • Office on Women’s Policy and Initiatives
    • Police Complaints Board
    • Police Officers Standards and Training Board
    • Science Advisory Board, or successor board
    • Uniform Law Commission
    • Use of Force Review Board
    • Violence Fatality Review Committee" (Rules for the Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety, Article II, Sec. 202).
  • Membership and agencies under committee available on website

Committee on Public Works and Operations

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The Committee on Public Works and Operations is responsible for matters relating to the general operation and service of government, including procurement; human rights; partnerships and grants management; matters relating to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning affairs; veterans affairs; matters affecting administrative law and procedure; consumer and regulatory affairs; recycling; waste management; and regulation of for-hire vehicles" (Rules for the Committee on Public Works & Operations, Article II, Sec. 201).

    "The following agencies come within the purview of the Committee on Public Works and Operations:

    • Advisory Board on Veterans Affairs for the District of Columbia
    • Advisory Committee on Street Harassment
    • Advisory Committee to the Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Affairs
    • Commission on Fashion Arts and Events
    • Commission on Human Rights
    • Contract Appeals Board
    • Department of For-Hire Vehicles
    • Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection
    • Department of Public Works
    • Deputy Mayor for Operations and Infrastructure, shared jointly with the Committee on Transportation and Environment
    • Emancipation Commemoration Commission
    • For-Hire Vehicle Advisory Council
    • Interfaith Council
    • Office of Administrative Hearings (including the Advisory Committee to the Office of Administrative Hearings and the Commission on Selection and Tenure of Administrative Law Judges)
    • Office of Community Affairs
    • Office of Contracting and Procurement
    • Office of Human Rights
    • Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Affairs
    • Office of Partnerships and Grants Services
    • Office of Risk Management
    • Office of the Chief Technology Officer
    • Office of Veterans Affairs
    • Office on Religious Affairs" (Rules for the Committee on Public Works & Operations, Article II, Sec. 202).
  • Membership, rules, and agencies under committee available on website

Committee on Recreation, Libraries and Youth Affairs

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "(a) The Committee on Recreation, Libraries, and Youth Affairs is responsible for public libraries; public parks and recreation; cable television and entertainment; matters relating to Caribbean, Latino, African, African American, and Asian and Pacific Islander affairs; and youth affairs (other than juvenile justice).

    (b) The following agencies come within the purview of the Committee on Recreation, Libraries, and Youth Affairs:
    • Advisory Commission on Caribbean Community Affairs
    • Board of Library Trustees
    • Commission on African Affairs
    • Commission on African American Affairs
    • Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs
    • Commission on Fathers, Men, and Boys
    • Commission on Latino Community Development
    • Department of Parks and Recreation
    • Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services
    • District of Columbia Public Library System
    • District of Columbia Public Library Trust Fund
    • Juvenile Abscondence Review Committee
    • Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment
    • Office of East of the River Services
    • Office on African Affairs
    • Office on African American Affairs
    • Office on Asian and Pacific Islanders Affairs
    • Office on Caribbean Affairs
    • Office on Fathers, Men, and Boys
    • Office on Latino Affairs
    • Public Access Corporation
    • Serve DC" (Article II, Period XXV, Section D-240).
  • Membership and agencies under committee available on website

Committee on Transportation and the Environment

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "(a) The Committee on Transportation and the Environment is responsible for matters relating to environmental protection; highways, bridges, traffic, vehicles, and other transportation issues; maintenance of public spaces; waterways; and water supply and wastewater treatment" (Rules for the Committee on Transportation and the Environment, Article II, Sec. 201).

    "(b) The following agencies come within the purview of the Committee on Transportation and the Environment:
    • Commission on Climate Change and Resiliency
    • Department of Energy and Environment
    • Department of Motor Vehicles
    • Deputy Mayor for Operations and Infrastructure, shared jointly with the Committee on Public Works and Operations
    • District Department of Transportation
    • District of Columbia Bicycle Advisory Council
    • District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority
    • Green Buildings Advisory Council
    • Green Finance Authority
    • Leadership Council for a Cleaner Anacostia River
    • Major Crash Review Task Force
    • Multimodal Accessibility Advisory Council
    • Office of the Deputy Mayor for Operations and Infrastructure
    • Pedestrian Advisory Council
    • Public Space Committee
    • Recreational Trails Advisory Committee
    • Soil and Water Conservation District
    • Streetcar Financing and Governance Task Force
    • Sustainable Energy Utility Advisory Board
    • Transit Rider Advisory Council
    • Urban Forestry Advisory Council
    • Washington Aqueduct
    • Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
    • Washington Metrorail Safety Commission" (Rules for the Committee on Transportation and the Environment, Article II, Sec. 202).
  • Membership and agencies under committee available on website

Committee of the Whole

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The Committee of the Whole is responsible for the annual budget, and amendments, additions, or supplements to the budget; coordinating the Council’s relationships with the Congress and the Federal executive branch; monitoring the progress of Council legislation through Congress; monitoring the status of original legislative proposals in Congress that may affect the District, the Council, or its legislation; amendments to the District Charter; Council appointments to Boards and Commissions; public-space naming; street and alley acquisition and closing; reapportionment and realignment of the political subdivisions of the District; Council administration and personnel; the scheduling of all matters for consideration by the Council in the legislative meeting; legislative matters related to the District as a political entity, including voting rights and statehood; grants management; government procurement; responsible for coordinating the Council’s relationships with appropriate regional, state, and national associations and organizations; labor relations; the Council’s relationship with regional authorities and other regional bodies and organizations not specifically assigned to other committees; truancy (jointly with the Committee on Education); District employees’ retirement; the development of the comprehensive plan and other matters pertaining to land use; matters related to statehood and self-determination for the District; revision and codification of Title 49 of the D.C. Official Code; public education matters exclusively concerning the University of the District of Columbia or the Community College of the District of Columbia; international business and affairs; and other matters assigned to it by these Rules or by the Chairman" (Rules of Organization and Procedure for the Council of the District of Columbia).

    "(e) The following agencies come within the purview of the Committee of the Whole:

    • Board for the Condemnation of Insanitary Buildings

    • Board of Industrial Trades

    • Board of Review of Anti-Deficiency Violations

    • Board of Zoning Adjustment

    • Commemorative Works Committee

    • Commission and Office on Out of School Time Grants and Youth Outcomes

    • Commission on the Arts and Humanities

    • Common Lottery Board

    • Community Schools Advisory Committee

    • Construction Codes Coordinating Board

    • Council of the District of Columbia

    • Department of Buildings (jointly with the Committee on Facilities and Family Services)

    • District of Columbia Education Research Practice Partnership Review Panel

    • District of Columbia Educational Opportunity for Military Children State Council

    • District of Columbia Public Charter School Board

    • District of Columbia Public Schools

    • District of Columbia Retirement Board, including the District of Columbia Police

    • Officers and Fire Fighters’ Retirement Fund and the Teachers’ Retirement Fund

    • District of Columbia State Athletics Commission

    • District Retiree Health Contribution

    • Healthy Youth and Schools Commission

    • Higher Education Licensure Commission

    • Historic Preservation Review Board

    • Interagency Coordinating Council

    • Interstate Medical Licensure Compact Commission

    • Law Revision Commission

    • Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority

    • Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments

    • National Capital Planning Commission

    • New Columbia Statehood Commission

    • Office of Budget and Planning

    • Office of the District of Columbia Auditor

    • Office of Planning

    • Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education

    • Office of the Ombudsman for Public Education

    • Office of the State Superintendent of Education (including Advisory Panel on Special Education, Early Childhood Development Coordinating Council)

    • Office of the Statehood Delegation

    • Office of the Student Advocate

    • Office of Zoning

    • Other Post-Employment Benefits Fund Advisory Committee

    • Pay-As-You-Go Capital

    • Public Charter School Credit Enhancement Fund Committee

    • State Board of Education

    • Students in the Care of D.C. Coordinating Committee

    • Tax Revision Commission

    • Tobacco Settlement Financing Corporation

    • University of the District of Columbia

    • Zoning Commission" (Article II, Period XXV, Section D-231).

  • Membership and meeting schedule, agendas, and videos available on website

Non-Standing Committees Focused on Oversight

Fiscal Committees

Committee of the Whole

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The Committee of the Whole is responsible for the annual budget, and amendments, additions, or supplements to the budget; coordinating the Council’s relationships with the Congress and the Federal executive branch; monitoring the progress of Council legislation through Congress; monitoring the status of original legislative proposals in Congress that may affect the District, the Council, or its legislation; amendments to the District Charter; Council appointments to Boards and Commissions; public-space naming; street and alley acquisition and closing; reapportionment and realignment of the political subdivisions of the District; Council administration and personnel; the scheduling of all matters for consideration by the Council in the legislative meeting; legislative matters related to the District as a political entity, including voting rights and statehood; grants management; government procurement; responsible for coordinating the Council’s relationships with appropriate regional, state, and national associations and organizations; labor relations; the Council’s relationship with regional authorities and other regional bodies and organizations not specifically assigned to other committees; truancy (jointly with the Committee on Education); District employees’ retirement; the development of the comprehensive plan and other matters pertaining to land use; matters related to statehood and self-determination for the District; revision and codification of Title 49 of the D.C. Official Code; public education matters exclusively concerning the University of the District of Columbia or the Community College of the District of Columbia; international business and affairs; and other matters assigned to it by these Rules or by the Chairman" (Rules of Organization and Procedure for the Council of the District of Columbia).
  • Membership and meeting schedule, agendas, and videos available on website

Oversight Partners

Office of the Budget Director

  • Website
  • Mission Statement: "The Office of the Budget Director provides support to Councilmembers and staff on matters related to the District’s budget, finances, and economy. The Office also offers policy research and economic analysis on topics of interest to individual members or the Council as a whole" (official website).
  • Most Recent Reports: 

Office of the District of Columbia Auditor

Office of the Inspector General

  • Website
  • Mission Statement: "The OIG is an executive branch agency of the District of Columbia government that conducts audits, inspections, and investigations of government programs and operations. The OIG promotes economy, efficiency, and effectiveness, and detects and deters fraud, waste and mismanagement throughout the government" (official website).
  • Most Recent Reports: 
    • Annual publications available here.
    • Audit reports available here.
    • Inspections and evaluations reports available here.
    • Investigations reports available here.
    • Medicaid fraud control unit available here.

Fiscal Data

Florida

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Legislature

Committee Oversight Authority

Below are rules issued by the Florida legislature authorizing oversight by its committees. This information does not include oversight authority that may be granted to the legislature by state laws.

House Rules

“(a) In order to carry out its duties, each standing or select committee, whenever required, may issue subpoenas and other necessary process to compel the attendance of witnesses before such committee or the taking of sworn testimony pursuant to these rules.

“(b) Each standing or select committee, whenever required, may also compel by subpoena duces tecum the production of any books, letters, or other documentary evidence it may need to examine in reference to any matter before it.

“(c) The chair of the standing or select committee shall issue such process on behalf of such committee after a majority of the committee votes to approve issuance and the Speaker has provided written approval. The chair or any other member of such committee may administer all oaths and affirmations in the manner prescribed by law to witnesses who shall appear before such committee for the purpose of testifying in any matter about which such committee may require evidence” (House Rule 16.1).

“(a) Each standing committee or subcommittee is authorized to exercise all powers authorized for committees pursuant to s. 11.143, Florida Statutes, to carry out oversight responsibilities within its respective subject matter jurisdiction. For purposes of this rule, the Speaker shall determine the subject matter jurisdiction of each committee or subcommittee” (House Rule 7.23).

Senate Rules

“(3) In order to carry out the committee’s duties, the chair of each standing committee, standing subcommittee, and select committee may request the President to issue subpoenas, subpoenas duces tecum, and other necessary process to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of any books, letters, or other documentary evidence required by such committee. The President may issue said process at the request of the committee chair. Any member of a standing committee, standing subcommittee, or select committee may administer all oaths and affirmations, in the manner prescribed by law, to witnesses who appear before such committees to testify in any matter requiring evidence” (Senate Rule 2.2).

Standing Committees Focused on Oversight

Joint Committee on Public Counsel Oversight

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "(1) The committee designated by joint rule of the Legislature or by agreement between the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives as the Committee on Public Counsel Oversight shall appoint a Public Counsel to represent the general public of Florida before the Florida Public Service Commission...The Committee on Public Counsel Oversight shall receive applications, conduct interviews, and appoint a Public Counsel to a 4-year term beginning on March 1, 2021, and every 4 years thereafter." (350.061, 2022 Florida Statutes).
  • Membership; audits; and reports; and meeting summaries and video available on website

Joint Legislative Auditing Committee

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The Committee's responsibilities are designed to provide continuous oversight of government operations, in part, through the auditing and review activities of the Auditor General and the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA)" (committee website).
  • Membership; meeting summaries and video; and information related to committee responsibilities available on website

Senate Committee on Governmental Oversight and Accountability

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: Subject areas in jurisdiction:
    • "1) Administrative procedures
    • "2) Collective bargaining
    • "3) Direct support and citizen support organizations
    • "4) General open government (including specific public records and open meetings bills and Open Government Sunset Reviews)
    • "5) Historical and cultural programs
    • "6) Inspectors general
    • "7) Interstate compacts
    • "8) Libraries
    • "9) Naming public buildings
    • "10) Privatization and outsourcing
    • "11) Procurement and contracting
    • "12) Public employee benefits (including public sector retirement plans, deferred compensation, and state health insurance)
    • "13) Sovereign immunity
    • "14) State facilities and real estate
    • "15) State human resource management
    • "16) State information technology
    • "17) State investments
    • "18) State organization and structure (including councils, boards, and commissions)
    • "19) State Risk Management Program" (Subject Area Trends for Senate Committees).
  • Membership, bills, and meeting schedule available on website

Non-Standing Committees Focused on Oversight

Fiscal Committees

House Appropriations Committee

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The Appropriations Committee produces the House’s proposed budget and conforming and implementing legislation. The committee provides legislative oversight regarding the expenditure of appropriated funds, reviews the Governor’s budget recommendations and agency legislative budget requests, and analyzes trust funds for creation, termination or modification. Additionally, legislation with a fiscal impact is typically heard by the Appropriations Committee or one of its subcommittees. Some budget issues within the jurisdiction of the full committee include education fixed capital outlay and state employee pay, benefits, and retirement" (2022-2024 Proposed Committee and Subcommittee Structure, provided by committee staff).
  • Membership, committee documents, meeting schedules, and audio/video available on website
  • Subcommittees:

House Ways & Means Committee

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The Ways & Means Committee’s purview encompasses issues concerning all state and local taxes and select non‐tax revenue sources, and addresses statutory and constitutional policy regarding tax rates, tax base design, and collection and enforcement parameters. The committee’s work also addresses debt financing policy, tax administration, and enforcement of tax laws" (2022-2024 Proposed Committee and Subcommittee Structure, provided by committee staff).
  • Membership, committee documents, meeting schedules, and audio/video available on website

Joint Legislative Auditing Committee

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The Committee's responsibilities are designed to provide continuous oversight of government operations, in part, through the auditing and review activities of the Auditor General and the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA)" (committee website).
  • Membership; meeting summaries and video; and information related to committee responsibilities available on website

Joint Legislative Budget Commission

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The Legislative Budget Commission is a standing joint committee of the Legislature created to:
    • "1) Review and approve or disapprove agency requests to amend original approved budgets;
    • "2) Review agency spending plans;
    • "3) Review the recommendations of the Technology Review Workgroup regarding information technology issues; and
    • "4) Take other actions related to the fiscal matters of the state, as authorized by law" (LBC authority).
  • Membership; audits; and reports; and meeting summaries and video available on website

Senate Committee on Appropriations

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The Appropriations Committee annually prepares the state’s budget through the General Appropriations Act (GAA) and has jurisdiction over legislation having a fiscal impact, affecting revenues, or containing an appropriation. The GAA determines the amounts state agencies, the Legislature, and the state court system may spend for salaries, personnel, contracted services, expenses, and fixed capital outlay and provides funding for public schools, Florida colleges, and state universities each fiscal year. The committee also develops and recommends to the Senate the implementing bill and conforming bills, as needed, to facilitate implementation of the GAA" (Subject Area Trends for Senate Committees).
  • Membership, meeting records, and bill information available on website

Oversight Partners

Office of the Auditor General

  • Website
  • Mission Statement: "As the State's independent external auditor, the Auditor General provides unbiased, timely, and relevant information that the Legislature, Florida's citizens, public entity management, and other stakeholders can use to promote government accountability and stewardship and improve government operations" (official website).
  • Most Recent Reports:

Office of Economic and Demographic Research

  • Website
  • Mission Statement: "The Office of Economic and Demographic Research (EDR) is a research arm of the Legislature principally concerned with forecasting economic and social trends that affect policy making, revenues, and appropriations. EDR provides objective information to committee staffs and members of the legislature in support of the policy making process" (official website).
  • Most Recent Reports:

Office of the Inspector General

  • Website
  • Mission Statement: "As mandated by the Florida Inspector General Act of 1994, our mission is to promote economy, efficiency, and effectiveness in state government and detect, deter, and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse. Every state agency has an inspector general who achieves their mission through conducting professional and independent investigations, audits, and reviews. Our goal is to enhance public trust in government" (official website).
  • Most Recent Reports: 
    • Not available on website

Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability

  • Website
  • Mission Statement: "The Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA) is a research arm of the Florida Legislature. OPPAGA was created by the Legislature in 1994 to help improve the performance and accountability of state government. OPPAGA provides data, evaluative research, and objective analyses to assist legislative budget and policy deliberations" (official website).
  • Most Recent Reports: 

Fiscal Data

  • Florida Fiscal Portal
    • Budget publications by fiscal year, agency, document type, and more available on website
  • Florida Leads Budget
    • Budget breakdowns by agency or appropriations bill and various reports available on website

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Georgia

Legislature

Committee Oversight Authority

The Georgia legislature has not issued any rules specifying the oversight authority of its committees.

Standing Committees Focused on Oversight

House Committee on Governmental Affairs

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "This committee oversees legislation concerning the operations and management of state, county, and municipal government. It also has jurisdiction over state election law" (committee website).
  • Membership and meeting agendas and videos available on website

House Committee on Information and Audits

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "This committee confirms the daily journal of the House of Representatives and deals with legislation regarding the Department of Audits" (committee website).
  • Membership and meeting agendas and videos available on website

Senate Committee on Government Oversight

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The Committee on Government Oversight has general jurisdiction over state government programs and policies" (committee website).
  • Membership and meeting agendas and videos available on website

Non-Standing Committees Focused on Oversight

Fiscal Committees

House Committee on Appropriations

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The main focus of the committee is the writing of the state's amended and general fiscal year budgets for Georgia's state agencies and departments. The committee also hears legislation that has considerable impact on the state revenue or expenditures" (committee website).
  • Membership and meeting agendas and videos available on website

House Committee on Budget and Fiscal Affairs Oversight

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The committee is responsible for holding hearings to monitor the spending programs within the state’s budget" (committee website).
  • Membership and meeting agendas and videos available on website

House Committee on Information and Audits

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "This committee confirms the daily journal of the House of Representatives and deals with legislation regarding the Department of Audits" (committee website).
  • Membership and meeting agendas and videos available on website

House Committee on Ways & Means

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The Committee on Ways and Means is chief tax-writing committee in the House of Representatives. The Committee derives a large share of its jurisdiction from the state Constitution which declares, 'All Bills for raising Revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives'" (committee website).
  • Membership and meeting agendas and videos available on website

Senate Committee on Appropriations

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The Appropriations Committee has broad jurisdiction over legislation involving the expenditure of state and federal funds. The committee is responsible for developing the state's budget with specific appropriations to the various government agencies, departments, and organizations on an annual basis. The committee has fourteen (14) standing subcommittees. Georgia requires that the state's budget be balanced" (committee website).
  • Membership and meeting agendas and videos available on website

Senate Committee on Finance

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The Committee on Finance has general jurisdiction over the state's taxing authority and revenue collections. It also deals with the financial services industry, including the securities and housing industries" (committee website).
  • Membership and meeting agendas and videos available on website

Oversight Partners

Department of Audits and Accounts

  • Website
  • Mission Statement: "The Department of Audits and Accounts exists to provide decision makers with independent, credible management information to promote improvements in accountability and stewardship in state and local government" (official website).
  • Most Recent Reports:

House Budget & Research Office

  • Website
  • Mission Statement: "The mission of the House Budget and Research (HBRO) Office is to provide objective and timely financial information and policy analysis to the 180 members of the Georgia House of Representatives" (official website).
  • Most Recent Reports:

Office of the Inspector General

  • Website
  • Mission Statement: "The State of Georgia Office of the Inspector General promotes transparency and accountability in state government. OIG diligently investigates fraud, waste, abuse, and corruption in the executive branch. We work to promote effective controls, improve agency policies and procedures, and identify opportunities for efficiency. We also provide statewide oversight of sexual harassment investigations" (official website).
  • Most Recent Reports:
Many departments have their own Inspectors General, listed here.

Senate Budget & Evaluation Office

  • Website
  • Mission Statement: "[T]o support an informed, policy-driven budget process" (official website).
  • Most Recent Reports:

Fiscal Data

Guam

Seal_of_Guam.svg
Legislature

Committee Oversight Authority

Below are rules issued by the Guam legislature authorizing oversight by its committees. This information does not include oversight authority that may be granted to the legislature by state laws.

 

“Each Standing Committee is authorized to study and analyze all facts relating to the subjects that fall within its jurisdiction, including, but not limited to, a need for revision of the laws relating to that subject. Each Standing Committee, through its Chairperson and Vice Chairperson, has powers of discovery and subpoena relating to the subjects that fall within its jurisdiction, and as detailed in Title 2 GCA Chapter 3” (Legislature Rule XI, Section 11.01).

Standing Committees Focused on Oversight

Non-Standing Committees Focused on Oversight

Fiscal Committees

Committee on General Government Operations and Appropriations

Committees do not have individual websites. Membership can be found on Committees website.

  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction:
    • “(1) Jurisdiction. The Committee on General Government Operations and Appropriations shall have purview over all matters pertaining to:
      • “(A) General Government Operations:
        • “(i) Office of the Governor and the Lieutenant Governor;
        • “(ii) the Department of Administration;
        • “(iii) the Guam Election Commission;
        • “(iv) the Guam State Clearinghouse;
        • “(v) the Civil Service Commission;
        • “(vi) the Guam Board of Accountancy;
        • “(vii) federal programs;
        • “(viii) government holidays;
        • “(ix) the creation of a new department, agency, board, or commission of the government of Guam; and
        • “(x) reorganization, restructuring, or reform of the government of Guam, or its instrumentalities, and all matters not specifically assigned to any other Standing Committee.
      • “(B) Appropriations:
        • “(i) appropriations, including budget bills, and claim bills and excepting appropriations from the funds of I Liheslaturan Guåhan made by resolution or appropriations to I Liheslaturan Guåhan; the Committee shall review requests for appropriations and report thereon to I Liheslaturan Guåhan on the purposes and reasonableness thereof, and whether the same are in accord with legislative intent and policy;
        • “(ii) the general annual audit of the government of Guam, by way of serving as the liaison for I Liheslaturan Guåhan;
        • “(iii) the Division of Accounts of the Department of Administration, except for those matters relating to the contract for the provision of mass transit services;
        • “(iv) the Treasurer of Guam Division of the Department of Administration;
        • “(v) the Bureau of Budget and Management Research; and
        • “(vi) the Office of Finance and Budget and projection of revenues.
      • “(2) Analysis of Money Bills. Whenever a bill appropriating money is referred to the Committee on Appropriations, the Committee shall prepare a written analysis of the bill’s financial features, which shall be made available to the Members of I Liheslaturan Guåhan. It is declared to be the policy of I Liheslaturan Guåhan that the expert services of the Committee on Appropriations be utilized to the maximum extent possible and that, prior to the passage of any bill appropriating money, such expert analysis be made available to the Members of I Liheslaturan Guåhan” (37th Guam Legislature, Standing Rules).

Oversight Partners

Bureau of Budget and Management Research

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: “The Bureau of Budget and Management Research is responsible for developing, implementing, monitoring, and managing the Executive Branch budget for all line agencies of the Government of Guam, as well as providing advisory guidance to the Governor on policy development, fiscal impact, program coordination, and planning and budgeting matters” (Citizen Centric Report FY21).
  • Most Recent Reports:

Office of Public Accountability

  • Website
  • Mission Statement: “To ensure public trust and good governance, we conduct audits and administer procurement appeals with objectivity, professionalism, and accountability.

    “Moreover...

    “The Office of Public Accountability seeks to achieve independent and nonpartisan assessments that promote accountability and efficient, effective management throughout the Government of Guam. We seek to serve the public interest by providing the Governor of Guam, the Guam Legislature, and the People of Guam with dependable and reliable information, unbiased analysis, and objective recommendations on how best to use government resources in support of the well being of our island and its constituents. To achieve this mission, we:

    • “Endeavor to fulfill the highest standards of our profession and the expectations of the public to the best of our ability.
    • “Uphold the highest ethical standards in the performance of our work and encourage such standards throughout the Government of Guam.
    • “Commit to quality as the main principle governing our work.
    • “Perform our work with diligence, conscientiousness, and due professional care.
    • “Foster a partnership with our staff to enable them to reach their full potential and contribute to their growth and long-term success” (official website).
  • Most Recent Reports:
    • Financial audits available here.
    • Performance audits available here.

Guam does not have an Office of the Inspector General.

Fiscal Data

  • USA Spending
    • Awards, contracts, grants, and loans available on website

Seal_of_the_State_of_Hawaii.svg

Hawaii

Legislature

Committee Oversight Authority

The Hawaii legislature has not issued any rules specifying the oversight authority of its committees.

Standing Committees Focused on Oversight

House Committee of Legislative Management

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "Committee on Legislative Management, whose scope shall be those programs relating to the administrative operations and legislative services of the House, including the Legislative Reference Bureau, Legislative Auditor, Office of the Ombudsman, Public Access Room, the Hawaii State General Plan, and other pertinent matters referred to it by the House" (Rules of the House of Representatives).
  • Membership, hearing measures, news, and testimony available on website

Non-Standing Committees Focused on Oversight

Fiscal Committees

House Committee on Finance

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The scope shall be those programs relating to overall State financing policies, including taxation and other revenues, cash and debt management, statewide implementation of planning, programming, budgeting, and evaluation, and other pertinent matters referred to it by the House" (Rules of the House of Representatives).
  • Membership, hearing measures, news, and testimony available on website

Senate Committee on Ways and Means

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The purview of this committee includes those programs relating to overall state financing policies, including revenue enhancement, taxation, other revenues, and cash and debt management, statewide implementation of planning, programming, budgeting, and evaluation, and government structure and finance" (2022 committee website).
  • Membership, hearing measures, news, and testimony available on website

Oversight Partners

Legislative Reference Bureau

  • Website
  • Mission Statement: "The Legislative Reference Bureau is a nonpartisan legislative service agency that strives to provide comprehensive research and reference services for the Hawaii State Legislature" (official website).
  • Most Recent Reports:

Office of the Auditor

  • Website
  • Mission Statement: "Our mission is to improve government through independent and objective analyses. We provide audit reports to the Legislature and the public about how effectively state agencies are providing services and using public money, thereby keeping government transparent and accountable" (official website).
  • Most Recent Reports:

Office of the Ombudsman

  • Website
  • Mission Statement: "The Office of the Ombudsman is an independent agency of the Hawaii State Legislature that investigates complaints about actions of executive branch agencies of the state and county governments in Hawaii.  Our office has the power to obtain necessary information for an investigation and to recommend corrective action if a complaint is found to be substantiated. The Ombudsman serves as a neutral, independent intermediary between the citizen and the agency. We conduct our investigations in a fair and impartial manner.  We do not provide legal advice, nor do we serve as an advocate or representative of any person or agency" (official website).
  • Most Recent Reports:

Hawaii does not have an Office of the Inspector General.

Fiscal Data

Idaho

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Legislature

Committee Oversight Authority

The Idaho legislature has not issued any rules specifying the oversight authority of its committees.

Standing Committees Focused on Oversight

Joint Legislative Oversight Committee

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The Joint Legislative Oversight Committee oversees and authorizes the Office of Performance Evaluations to conduct independent performance evaluations of state agencies and programs" (committee website).
  • Membership and meeting schedules, agendas, testimony, minutes, and audio/video available on website

Non-Standing Committees Focused on Oversight

Interim Child Protection Legislative Oversight Committee

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "Provide review and oversight for the foster care system in Idaho and to establish Citizen Review Panels and a Child Protection Legislative Review Panel" (committee website).
  • Members and meeting archives available on website

Interim Committee on Uniform Accounting and Transparency

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "Provide for uniform and transparent financial data of local governmental entities to better inform lawmakers, decision-makers, and citizens" (committee website).
  • Members and meeting archives available on website

Interim Criminal Justice Reinvestment Oversight Committee

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "To maintain continuous oversight of the Idaho criminal justice reinvestment initiative and related issues" (committee website).
  • Members and meeting archives available on website

Fiscal Committees

Committee on Uniform Accounting and Transparency (2022 Special Committee)

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "Provide for uniform and transparent financial data of local governmental entities to better inform lawmakers, decision-makers, and citizens" (committee website).
  • Membership and meeting schedules, agendas, testimony, minutes, and audio/video available on website

House Appropriations Committee

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "State budgets, revenue, appropriations" (committee website).
  • Membership and meeting schedules, agendas, testimony, minutes, and audio/video available on website

Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction:
    • "Members of the Senate Finance Committee and the House Appropriations Committee meet as the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee to analyze available revenue and state agency budget requests in order to set a balanced state budget each year" (committee website).
    • "POWERS AND DUTIES.
      • "(1) The joint finance-appropriations committee shall have the following powers and duties:
        • "(a)  To review the executive budget and the budget requests of each state department, agency and institution, including requests for construction of capital improvements, as well as other requests for appropriations submitted to the legislature.
        • "(b)  To conduct such hearings as it may deem necessary and proper.
        • "(c)  To submit a report to each session of the legislature covering its activities during the preceding period and setting forth its findings and recommendations and to make such recommendations to the appropriate legislative committees as it may deem proper concerning the budget and other proposed legislation.
        • "(d)  To perform such other duties as the legislature or legislative council may by appropriate resolution direct.
      • "(2)  The joint finance-appropriations committee shall use the following procedures for releasing reports produced by the legislative audits division:
        • "(a)  All reports produced by the legislative audits division shall be delivered to the cochairs of the joint finance-appropriations committee for their review and approval prior to release;
        • "(b)  The cochairs of the joint finance-appropriations committee may, at their discretion, conduct hearings relating to any report and seek input and testimony prior to, or after reports are released; and
        • "(c)  After such review as deemed necessary and prudent by the cochairs of the joint finance-appropriations committee, the cochairs shall release the reports produced by the legislative audits division within sixty (60) days of submission to the cochairs; except in the event that a report is returned to the legislative audits division for further audit or review, then the cochairs shall approve the release of reports within sixty (60) days after the report is resubmitted to the cochairs" (Idaho Statue, 67-435).
  • Membership and meeting schedules, agendas, testimony, minutes, and audio/video available on website

Senate Finance Committee

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: Not defined on website
  • Membership and meeting schedules, agendas, testimony, minutes, and audio/video available on website

Oversight Partners

Controller's Office

  • Website
  • Mission Statement: "To superintend the state’s fiscal concerns by offering the best service to the state and its citizens, providing access to accurate financial information, and increasing trust in Idaho government" (Office personnel, Feb. 2023).
    • Vision: "To serve Idaho and its citizens with bold innovations and cultivating trust throughout the state" (Office personnel, Feb. 2023).
  • Most Recent Reports:
  • Resources Recommended by Agency:
    • Townhall Idaho: Search and find information pertaining to all State Agencies and state-affiliated commissions' public meetings
    • Transparent Idaho: Provides interactive reports of state financial data

Legislative Services Office, Legislative Audits Division

  • Website
  • Mission Statement: "The Legislative Audits Division of the Legislative Services Office, under the direction of the Legislative Council, is charged with the responsibility to audit the State of Idaho’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), perform the Statewide Single Audit for federal funds expended, and perform management reviews of each executive department of state government at least once in a three year period" (official website).
  • Most Recent Reports:

Office of Performance Evaluations

  • Website
  • Mission Statement: "Our mission is to promote confidence and accountability in state government through evaluation of programs and policies" (official website).
  • Most Recent Reports:

Idaho does not have an Office of the Inspector General.

Fiscal Data

Seal_of_Illinois.svg

Illinois

Legislature

Committee Oversight Authority

The Illinois legislature has not issued any rules specifying the oversight authority of its committees.

Standing Committees Focused on Oversight

Legislative Audit Commission

  • Website

  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction:

    • "The Legislative Audit Commission is responsible for the oversight of the State Audit Program, review of the stewardship of public funds, and the monitoring action to correct weaknesses disclosed by the audits of state agencies...

    • "The Legislative Audit Commission is mandated by law (25 ILCS 150/0.01-0.06) to review all audits conducted by the State Auditor General. Primary responsibilities of the Commission are:

      • "Public hearings on all major audits of State agencies to review problems, assess agency stewardship, and secure remedial action.

      • "Initiation and review of management and program audits and investigations.

      • "Make recommendations to the General Assembly and agency management for corrective legislation and other measures to remedy weaknesses disclosed through audits or at Commission hearings.

      • "Monitoring agency progress in implementing corrective action" (commission website).

  • Membership; audits; and meeting schedules and recordings available on website

Non-Standing Committees Focused on Oversight

Fiscal Committees

House Appropriations Committee

  • Websites
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: 
    • "(b) No bill or committee amendment that provides for an appropriation of money from the State Treasury may be considered by an Appropriations Committee unless the bill or committee amendment is limited to appropriations to a single department, office, or institution; this provision does not apply to floor amendments, joint action motions, or conference committee reports.
    • No bill that provides for an appropriation of money from the State Treasury may be considered for passage by the House unless it has first been favorably reported by an Appropriations Committee or:
      • "(1) the bill was discharged from an Appropriations Committee under Rule 58;
      • "(2) the bill was exempted from this requirement by a majority of those appointed to the Rules Committee; or
      • "(3) this Rule was suspended under Rule 67.
    • "(c) Before any conference committee report on an appropriation bill is considered by the House, the conference committee report shall first be the subject of a public hearing by a standing Appropriations Committee or a special committee...The hearing shall be held pursuant to not less than one hour advance notice by announcement on the House floor, or one day advance notice by posting on the House bulletin board. An Appropriations Committee or special committee shall not issue any report with respect to the conference committee report following the hearing" (House Rule 22). 
  • Members; journals; rules; and meeting schedules, transcripts, and live audio/video available on website

House Revenue & Finance Committee

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: 
    • "The House Revenue & Finance Committee shall:
      • "(1) conduct a comprehensive review of state laws relating to assessment of real property including the appeal of assessments at the local and State level;
      • "(2) conduct a comprehensive review of statewide assessment systems and their impact on equity;
      • "(3) identify opportunities to consolidate, streamline, eliminate, or create new assessment jurisdictions;
      • "(4) review current exemptions available, the impact of these exemptions, and the administration or application of these exemptions;
      • "(5) analyze preferential assessments including farm valuation, open space, and developer relief; and
      • "(6) Consider the use of technology in the data collection, online review, CAMA analysis, and electronic appeal filing and make recommendations for improved accountability and efficiency; and be it further
    • "RESOLVED, That the purpose of the review shall be to study issues of assessment equity and fairness, and make recommendations that will ensure accountable and efficient delivery of uniform and transparent property valuations for property tax purposes" (House Resolution 527, 2017).
  • Members; journals; rules; and meeting schedules, transcripts, and live audio/video available on website

Legislative Budget Oversight Commission

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "[T]o monitor budget management actions taken by the Office of the Governor or Governor's Office of Management and Budget; to oversee the distribution and expenditure of federal financial relief for State and local governments related to the COVID-19 pandemic; and to advise and review planned expenditures of State and federal grants for broadband projects" (25 ILCS 10/20).
  • Members; journals; rules; and meeting schedules, transcripts, and live audio/video available on website

Senate Appropriations Committee

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: 
    • "(b) No bill that provides for an appropriation or expenditure of money from the State Treasury may be considered for passage by the Senate unless it has first been reported to the Senate by an Appropriations Committee, unless:
      • "(1) the bill was discharged from an Appropriations Committee in accordance with Rule 7-9;
      • "(2) the bill was exempted from this requirement by a majority of those appointed to the Committee on Assignments; or 
      • "(3) this Rule was suspended in accordance with Rule 7-17" (Senate Rule 3-11, 2023).
  • Members; journals; rules; and meeting schedules, transcripts, and live audio/video available on website

Senate Revenue Committee

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: Not defined on website
  • Members; journals; rules; and meeting schedules, transcripts, and live audio/video available on website

Oversight Partners

Office of the Auditor General

  • Website
  • Mission Statement: "The Auditor General is a constitutional officer of the State of Illinois charged with reviewing the obligation, expenditure, receipt and use of public funds" (official website).
  • Most Recent Reports:

Office of Executive Inspector General

  • Website
  • Mission Statement: "The OEIG is an independent executive branch state agency which functions to ensure accountability in state government and the four regional transit boards. The OEIG's primary role is to investigate allegations of misconduct and to make reports of its findings to affected public agencies and officials" (official website).
  • Most Recent Reports:

Office of Comptroller

  • Website
  • Mission Statement: "The Comptroller, in accordance with law, shall maintain the State's central fiscal accounts, and order payments into and out of the funds held by the Treasurer" (Illinois Constitution, Article V, Section 17).
  • Most Recent Reports:
    • Debt transparency reports available here.
    • Special fiscal reports available here.

Fiscal Data

Indiana

Seal_of_Indiana.svg
Legislature

Committee Oversight Authority

The Indiana legislature has not issued any rules specifying the oversight authority of its committees.

Standing Committees Focused on Oversight

Non-Standing Committees Focused on Oversight

Interim Legislative Council

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction:
    • "Sec. 5. (a) The council may do any of the following:
      • "(1) On its own initiative or at the direction of the general assembly or of the senate or house of representatives, study subjects of interest and concern, and based on such a study, recommend such legislation as the welfare of the state may require.
      • "(2) Direct standing committees of the senate or house of representatives, or appoint committees and subcommittees subject to the authority of the council, to carry out studies on subjects of interest and concern.
      • "(3) Recommend such codification and general revision of the constitution and the laws of the state as may from time to time be necessary.
      • "(4) Require any officer or agency, board, commission, committee or other instrumentality of the state or of a political subdivision of the state to provide information bearing on subjects under consideration by the council or by standing committee or any of its committees or subcommittees." (IN Code § 2-5-1.1-5 (2022)).
  • Membership and meeting agendas available on website

Fiscal Committees

Senate Appropriations Committee

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "In the Senate, the Appropriations Committee has primary responsibility for budget bill deliberations" (Indiana State Budget Agency).
  • Membership and meeting schedule available on website

State Budget Committee

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The Budget Committee holds public hearings with state agencies to outline their budget requests. After the hearings are completed and future revenue estimates are presented via the Revenue Forecast, the committee makes a single, comprehensive budget recommendation to the Governor" (Indiana State Budget Agency).
  • Membership; budget data; and meeting schedule, agendas, minutes, and videos available on website

Oversight Partners

Office of the Auditor of the State

  • Website
  • Mission Statement: "The mission of the State Auditor’s office is to carry out the Constitutional responsibilities of the Auditor of State by:
    • "maintaining the State’s financial records and reports and paying the State’s bills and employees efficiently, effectively, and honestly,
    • "educating and informing the public about Indiana State government’s finances,
    • "taking a leadership role in the development of the State’s financial policy, and
    • "working as a team of professionals in order to provide quality customer service to the citizens of the State, State agencies, local governments and school corporations, State employees, other states and federal agencies, and vendors" (official website).
  • Most Recent Reports:

Office of the Inspector General

  • Website
  • Mission Statement: "The mission of the Inspector General and staff is to reduce fraud, waste, abuse, mismanagement and wrongdoing in state executive branch agencies. Through education, advice, investigations, prosecutions and legislative recommendations, the Inspector General fosters a culture of integrity that contributes to public confidence in state government" (official website).
  • Most Recent Reports:

State Board of Accounts

  • Website
  • Mission Statement: "We are dedicated to providing the citizens of the State of Indiana with confidence in the integrity and financial accountability of state and local government" (official website).
  • Most Recent Reports:

Fiscal Data

  • Indiana State Budget Agency
    • Budget, revenue, local income tax, Medicaid forecasts, budget process, and more available on website
  • Indiana Transparency Portal
    • Assets, contracts, employee salaries and employment figures, finances, local government and school data, and vendors available on website
      • Data can be downloaded in .csv format

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Iowa

Legislature

Committee Oversight Authority

The Iowa legislature has not issued any rules specifying the oversight authority of its committees.

Standing Committees Focused on Oversight

House Government Oversight Committee

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: Not defined on website
  • Membership; reports; documents; bills; and meeting schedules, agendas, minutes, and videos available on website

Joint Health Policy Oversight Committee

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "Provide continuing oversight for Medicaid managed care, ensure effective and efficient administration of the program, address stakeholder concerns, monitor program costs and expenditures, and make recommendations to the General Assembly" (committee website).
  • Membership; reports; documents; bills; and meeting schedules, agendas, minutes, and videos available on website

Joint Legislative Council

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "Serve as the 'steering committee' of the General Assembly during the interim. Appoint interim study committees and recommend to the General Assembly the names and numbers of standing committees. Recommend changes in the rules of the House and Senate. Review and delay, if deemed necessary, the effective date of rules and forms submitted by the Supreme Court pursuant to Iowa Code §602.4202" (committee website).
  • Membership and meeting schedule, agendas, and minutes available on website

Joint State Government Efficiency Review Committee

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The committee is required to meet, as directed by the Legislative Council, every two years to review state government organization and efficiency options and receive state government efficiency suggestions offered by the public and public employees" (committee website).
  • Membership; reports; documents; bills; and meeting schedules, agendas, minutes, and videos available on website

Senate Government Oversight Committee

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: 
    • "The general assembly shall independently and intensively review and oversee the performance of state agencies in the operation of state programs to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of the state programs and to consider alternatives which may improve the benefits of such programs or may reduce their costs to the citizens of the state. The legislative services agency shall provide technical and professional support for the general assembly’s oversight responsibility.
    • "The general assembly by concurrent resolution or the legislative council may direct the legislative services agency to conduct a program evaluation of any state agency" (2003 Acts, ch 35, §7,49).
  • Membership; reports; documents; bills; and meeting schedules, agendas, minutes, and videos available on website

Non-Standing Committees Focused on Oversight

Fiscal Committees

House Appropriations Committee

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "all bills to appropriate money shall be referred to the appropriations committee" (House Rules, 1/23/2023)
  • Membership and bills in committee available on website

Joint Appropriations Committees

Joint Fiscal Committee

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "Examine budget and expenditure matters. Direct the administration of performance audits and visitations. Study the operation of state government and make recommendations regarding reorganization to the General Assembly" (committee website).
  • Membership and meeting schedule, agendas, and minutes available on website

Senate Appropriations Committee

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: 
    • "The appropriations committee shall receive bills committed to it and shall assign each to one of the appropriations subcommittees. The appropriations subcommittees shall be named:
      • "Administration and Regulation
      • "Agriculture and Natural Resources
      • "Economic Development
      • "Education
      • "Health and Human Services
      • "Justice System
      • "Transportation, Infrastructure, and Capitals
    • "The appropriations subcommittees shall receive bills assigned to them or may originate proposed bills within the subcommittee’s jurisdiction as defined by the appropriations committee for consideration by the appropriations committee. Each subcommittee may submit amendments to bills together with the subcommittee’s recommended action to the appropriations committee.
    • "If a bill or proposed bill is submitted to the appropriations committee by an appropriations subcommittee the appropriations committee may:
      • "1. report the bill or approve the proposed bill for introduction by the appropriations committee;
      • "2. report the bill with any appropriations committee-approved amendments incorporated;
      • "3. draft a new bill for sponsorship by the appropriations committee and report it; or
      • "4. re-refer it together with the appropriations committee’s objections to the appropriations subcommittee from which it was originally referred or which originated the draft bill.
    • "The appropriations committee and subcommittees may meet jointly with the appropriations committee of the house of representatives" (Senate Rules). 
  • Membership and bills in committee available on website

Oversight Partners

Legislative Services Agency

  • Website
  • Mission Statement: "The LSA was created as a nonpartisan, central legislative staff agency under the direction and control of the Legislative Council...to serve the Senate and House members and committees and the Legislative Council" (official website).
  • Most Recent Reports:

Office of the Auditor of the State

Office of Ombudsman

  • Website
  • Mission Statement: "The Office of Ombudsman serves as an independent and impartial agency to which citizens can air their grievances about government. By facilitating communications between citizens and government and making recommendations to improve administrative practices and procedures, the Ombudsman promotes responsiveness and quality in government" (official website).
  • Most Recent Reports:

Iowa does not have an Office of the Inspector General.

Fiscal Data

  • Iowa Data
    • Interactive data including economic indicators, campaign contributions, and checkbook, as well as statistics on educations, public safety, health and human services, and more available on website
      • Data can be downloaded in .csv format
      • Graphs can be downloaded in .jpg format
  • Iowa Department of Management
    • Budget, checkbook, grants, COVID19 fund reports, agency budgets, city budgets, and more available on website

Kansas

Seal_of_Kansas.svg
Legislature

Committee Oversight Authority

The Kansas legislature has not issued any rules specifying the oversight authority of its committees.

Standing Committees Focused on Oversight

Joint Committee on Child Welfare System Oversight

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "Review data on child maltreatment and demographic trends impacting the child welfare system; review the duties, responsibilities and contributions of the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF), the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS), the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), the Department of Corrections, law enforcement, and the judicial branch that comprise the child welfare system; and review programs, services, and benefits offered directly or through grants or contracts by DCF, KDADS, KDHE, and the judicial branch that impact children and families at risk of becoming involved or who are involved in the child welfare system" (Kansas Legislative Research Department).
  • Documents and testimony available on website

Joint Committee on Corrections and Juvenile Justice Oversight

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "KSA 2019 Supp. 46-2801 directs the Joint Committee to monitor inmate and juvenile offender populations and to review and study the programs, activities, plans, and operations of the Kansas Department of Corrections. In addition to its statutory duties, the Joint Committee was charged to study the following topics:
    • "Mental health intervention policy, especially in western Kansas and rural areas;
    • "Consider potential recommendations from the Sedgwick County Community Task Force investigation of the in-custody death of Cedric Lofton related to mental health issues and Stand Your Ground laws;
    • "Criminal records expungement and associated costs and compare with other states;
    • "Further examination of offender registry statutes;
    • "Review of SB 367 Juvenile Justice Reform and consideration of the changes approved in 2022 HB 2200, as amended by the House Committee on Corrections and Juvenile Justice;
    • "Review the practice and policies regarding recording devices in juvenile correctional facilities;
    • "Update on juvenile crisis intervention centers; and
    • "Tour the Kansas Children's Service League headquarters in Topeka and observe community corrections in the field and how it functions in Douglas County" (Kansas Legislative Research Department).
  • Documents and testimony available on website

Joint Legislative Post Audit Committee

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The committee selects the topics for the division’s audits and directs the final distribution of those reports. The committee is also responsible for hiring and evaluating the head of the agency (the Legislative Post Auditor) and for reviewing and approving the division’s annual budget" (committee website).
  • Membership available on website

Non-Standing Committees Focused on Oversight

Fiscal Committees

House Committee on Appropriations

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "Bills containing more than one item of appropriation shall be referred to the standing committee on appropriations, except that bills introduced by the committee on appropriations may be referred to the committee of the whole House" (Article 9, Rule 902, House Rules, 2021-2022).
  • Membership and meeting agendas, minutes, documents, testimony, and audio stream available on website

House Committee on General Government Budget

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "(c) Budget committees shall be advisory to and make recommendations to the committee on appropriations regarding matters referred to the budget committee by the committee on appropriations. A budget committee is authorized to introduce bills or resolutions within the subject matter of the budget committee. Except as otherwise provided in this rule, budget committees shall be deemed to be standing committees under the rules of the House of Representatives" (Article 11, Rule 1105, House Rules, 2021-2022).
  • Membership and meeting agendas, minutes, documents, testimony, and audio stream available on website

Joint Legislative Budget Committee

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The Legislative Budget Committee is statutorily directed to compile fiscal information and study and make recommendations on the state budget, including revenues and expenditures, and the organization and functions of the State, including its departments, subdivisions, and agencies, with a view of reducing the cost of state government and increasing efficiency and economy" (Kansas Legislative Research Department).
  • Membership and meeting agendas, minutes, documents, and testimony available on website

Joint Legislative Post Audit Committee

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The committee selects the topics for the division’s audits and directs the final distribution of those reports. The committee is also responsible for hiring and evaluating the head of the agency (the Legislative Post Auditor) and for reviewing and approving the division’s annual budget" (committee website).
  • Membership available on website

Oversight Partners

Legislative Division of Post Audit

  • Website
  • Mission Statement: "Our mission is to inform policy makers by providing accurate, unbiased information through our audit reports. Our audits help the Legislature by focusing on three core areas – oversight, insight, and foresight. We help the Legislature by providing oversight of state government by evaluating whether agencies are following laws, achieving intended results, and operating efficiently. We also help legislators develop a better understanding of state government by providing insight into how agencies and programs actually work. Finally, in some cases, we provide legislators with foresight by predicting how changing current government structures and systems might affect state costs and program outcomes" (official website).
  • Most Recent Reports:

Legislative Research Department

  • Website
  • Mission Statement: "Providing nonpartisan, objective research and fiscal analysis for the Kansas Legislature since 1934."
  • Most Recent Reports:

Kansas does not have an Office of the Inspector General, but some departments, such as the Office of Medicaid, have their own.

Fiscal Data

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Kentucky

Legislature

Committee Oversight Authority

Kentucky's legislative rules do not specify the oversight authorities of committees.

Standing Committees Focused on Oversight

Non-Standing Committees Focused on Oversight

Interim Committee on Appropriations & Revenue

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "Matters pertaining to the executive budget and other appropriations of state monies; the levying of state and local taxes, including school taxes; property tax rates and assessments; the state debt; revenue bond projects; claims upon the treasury; accounting of state funds by local officers; audits for state purposes; budget and financial administration; and payment, collection, and refund of taxes" (committee website).
  • Membership; calendar; and meeting materials and website available on website

Statutory Committee on Capital Projects and Bond Oversight

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The committee is a permanent subcommittee of the Legislative Research Commission and is charged with overseeing (1) the expenditure of funds budgeted for capital projects; (2) the allotment of funds from the Emergency Repair, Maintenance, and Replacement Account and the Capital Construction and Equipment Purchase Contingency Account; (3) the state's acquisition of capital assets, including the lease of real property; (4) the issuance of bonds by the Commonwealth and related individual projects; and (5) the issuance of bonds by or on behalf of local school districts" (committee website).
  • Membership; calendar; and meeting materials and website available on website

Statutory Committee on Government Contract Review

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "Provide legislative review of all nonexempt memoranda of agreement by and between state agencies and of all nonexempt personal service contracts by state agencies and by off-budget agencies that include, but are not limited to, the Kentucky Lottery Corporation, the Kentucky Housing Corporation, state universities within the Commonwealth, the Kentucky Employers' Mutual Insurance Corporation, the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority, Kentucky Student Loan Corporation, the Kentucky Retirement Systems, and other municipal corporations, to examine the stated need for the service, whether the service could or should be performed by state personnel, the amount and duration of the contract or agreement, and the appropriateness of any exchange of resources or responsibilities" (committee website).
  • Membership; calendar; and meeting materials and website available on website

Statutory Committee on Legislative Oversight & Investigations

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The Legislative Oversight and Investigations Committee is a 16-member committee authorized under KRS Chapter 6. The committee shall serve as the main investigative committee in the General Assembly. The committee shall have the authority to investigate the subjects within the committee's legislative jurisdiction and within the jurisdiction of other standing or statutory committees of the General Assembly. The committee shall have the discretionary power to review the operations of state agencies and programs, to determine whether funds are being spent for the purposes for which they were appropriated, to evaluate the efficiency of program operations, and to evaluate the impact of state government reorganizations" (committee website).
  • Membership; calendar; and meeting materials and website available on website

Statutory Committee on Public Pension Oversight Board

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "Assists the General Assembly with its review, analysis, and oversight of the administration, benefits, investments, funding, laws and administrative regulations, and legislation pertaining to the Kentucky Retirement Systems" (committee website).
  • Membership; calendar; and meeting materials and website available on website

Statutory Committee on Tobacco Settlement Agreement Fund Oversight

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "Matters pertaining to the Agricultural Development Board, including requests to the board for grants and loans; planning by the board to establish short-term and long-term goals, to devise strategies, and to make investments that will assist farmers and the administrative, financial, and programmatic activities of the board; expenditures under the Early Childhood Development Fund and the Kentucky Health Care Improvement Fund; efforts of agencies and educational institutions to assist in the revitalization and diversification of tobacco farms; efforts of institutions of public postsecondary research in conducting alternative crop development research; review of county agricultural development council plans, and the use of Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement money" (committee website).
  • Membership; calendar; and meeting materials and website available on website

Fiscal Committees

House Appropriations & Revenue Committee

Interim Joint Appropriations & Revenue Committee

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "Matters pertaining to the executive budget and other appropriations of state monies; the levying of state and local taxes, including school taxes; property tax rates and assessments; the state debt; revenue bond projects; claims upon the treasury; accounting of state funds by local officers; audits for state purposes; budget and financial administration; payment, collection and refund of taxes" (committee website).
  • Membership; legislative calendar; and meeting agendas and minutes available on website

Senate Appropriations & Revenue Committee

Oversight Partners

Auditor of Public Accounts

  • Website
  • Mission Statement: "To act as a vigorous guardian of taxpayer dollars, providing the accountability, integrity, and leadership for Kentucky to thrive in the 21st century" (official website).
  • Most Recent Reports:

Legislative Research Commission

  • Website
  • Mission Statement: "The Legislative Research Commission was created in 1948 as a fact-finding and service agency. The Commission operates as the administrative and research arm of the General Assembly" (official website).
  • Most Recent Reports:

Kentucky does not have an Office of the Inspector General, but some departments, including the Energy and Environment Cabinet and the Transportation Cabinet, have their own.

Fiscal Data

Louisiana

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Legislature

Committee Oversight Authority

Below are rules issued by the Louisiana legislature authorizing oversight by its committees. This information does not include oversight authority that may be granted to the legislature by state laws.

House Rules

"A select committee established pursuant to this Paragraph shall have the same powers, duties, and authorities and shall be subject to the same rules as standing committees. Specifically, each select committee is expressly granted the power and authority to hold hearings, subpoena witnesses, administer oaths, require the production of books and records, and to do all things necessary to accomplish the purpose assigned to it by the Speaker, in the same manner and subject to the same procedures provided in House Rule 14.51 for standing committees and joint committees and subcommittees thereof" (House Rules 6.1).

Senate Rules

“Each standing committee established by Rule 13.1 and each joint committee established pursuant to the authority granted in Rule 13.12, and any subcommittee of either, is hereby specifically and expressly granted the power and authority, with the written approval of the President, to hold hearings, subpoena witnesses, administer oaths, require the production of books and records, and to do all other things necessary to accomplish the purposes of the study, hearing, or investigation assigned to it by the Senate or by the legislature or by a majority of the members of the committee. However, if a study or investigation is undertaken during the interim between sessions, a subpoena or a subpoena duces tecum shall issue only upon the approval of a majority of all the members of the standing committee and of the President and upon the rendition of a special order of the Nineteenth Judicial District Court or of any other judicial district court, subject to general rules of venue, authorizing the committee to issue the subpoena or subpoena duces tecum, in which order the court may prescribe such requirements and conditions as it may consider just and reasonable. In the event a subpoena or subpoena duces tecum is not honored, the standing committee or joint committee also shall have the power to punish for contempt and to provide for the prosecution of any individual for refusal to testify, false swearing, or perjury before the committee or subcommittee in accordance with law” (Senate Rule 13.15).

Joint Rules

“A.  Each standing committee of the Senate and the House of Representatives shall conduct legislative oversight of the administration of laws and programs by agencies supported entirely or partially by state funds, including but not limited to those program evaluation functions authorized in R.S. 24:691-693 to be performed by the Joint Committee on Legislative Oversight; and to that end each standing committee shall have the powers, authorities, privileges, and duties therein conferred upon the Joint Committee on Legislative Oversight to perform all such functions.  The rules of procedure of each house for standing committees shall apply to the extent possible in the performance of these functions.  

“B.  Each standing committee shall have responsibility for oversight of those statutory entities for which the committee has jurisdiction in accordance with the rules of the respective house” (Joint Rule No. 16).

Standing Committees Focused on Oversight

Joint Legislative Audit Advisory Council

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The Council is charged with advising and consulting with the legislative auditor concerning matters related to the functions and duties of his office and responsibilities to the Legislature, and, most importantly, resolving audit findings contained in audits issued by the legislative auditor and private accounting firms performing governmental audits in-lieu of the legislative auditor...The Council may hold hearings; subpoena witnesses; administer oaths; compel the production of books, documents, records, and papers, public and private; order the compiling and furnishing of sworn statements; and petition, directly or through the courts, writs of mandamus. Failure to comply with any order of the Council shall constitute contempt of the Council, punishable in a manner prescribed by the Council" (council website).
  • Membership available on website
  •  

Joint Medicaid Oversight Committee

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: Not defined on website
  • Membership available on website
  •  

Non-Standing Committees Focused on Oversight

Fiscal Committees

House Committee On Appropriations

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "To this committee shall be referred, in accordance with the rules, all legislative instruments, messages, petitions, memorials and other matters relating to the following subjects: Appropriation of state funds; Expenditure of funds; General appropriation bill; Deposit and investment of public monies, including the creation or modification of any special fund in the state treasury to which proceeds from state taxes, fees, or other charges are dedicated; Cash flow; Study of economy and efficiency in the operation of government at all levels; Budgetary requirements and procedures; Central purchasing; Fiscal controls; Comprehensive state capital budget, after initial consideration by the Committee on Ways and Means in accordance with House Rule 6.8(C); Professional, personal, and consulting services procurement as provided for in Chapter 16 of Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950; Public bid laws and public contracts as provided for in Chapter 17 of Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950" (committee website).
  • Membership; committee rules; and meeting votes and minutes available on website

House Ways and Means Committee

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "To this committee shall be referred, in accordance with the rules, all legislative instruments, messages, petitions, memorials and other matters relating to the following subjects: Taxes and the raising of revenue;Bonds and the bonding of revenue; Issuance, payment or retirement of bonds; Evidences of indebtedness; State revenues, generally; Revenue collection; Assessors, their offices, salaries, expenses, compensation, and the like; Parish tax collectors, their offices, salaries, experiences, compensation and the like; Comprehensive state capital budget, prior to consideration by the Committee on Appropriations in accordance with House Rule 6.8(C)" (committee website).
  • Membership; committee rules; and meeting votes and minutes available on website

Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The committee is tasked with assisting the legislature in the discharge of its fiscal and budgetary responsibilities under the Constitution of Louisiana and to provide the legislature with information relative to such responsibilities" (committee website).
  • Membership and meeting calendar, agendas, and documents available on website

Senate Finance Committee

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "Legislative instruments and other matter referred to this committee shall encompass the following subject matter:
    • "Appropriation of state funds, including the cash portion of the comprehensive state capital budget
    • "Budgetary requirements and procedures
    • "Central purchasing
    • "Economy and efficiency of government operations
    • "Expenditure of funds
    • "Fiscal controls
    • "General appropriations bill
    • Revenue sharing" (committee website).
  • Membership available on website

Oversight Partners

Legislative Auditor

  • Website
  • Mission Statement: "Our purpose is to help ensure that government is responsive to the needs of the people of Louisiana – a government that is accountable, efficient, and effective. As one of the Legislature’s most objective resources, we provide independent assessment and proactive guidance, resulting in accurate reporting of the fiscal condition and performance of government and the sources and uses of its financial resources" (official website).
  • Most Recent Reports:

Legislative Fiscal Office

  • Website
  • Mission Statement: "The Legislative Fiscal Office is an independent agency created by statute to provide factual and unbiased information to both the House of Representatives and the State Senate" (official website).
  • Most Recent Reports:

Office of the Inspector General

Fiscal Data

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Maine

Legislature

Committee Oversight Authority

The Maine legislature has not issued any rules specifying the oversight authority of its committees.

Standing Committees Focused on Oversight

Joint Committee On Government Oversight

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The mission of the Joint Legislative Government Oversight Committee, hereafter called the "Committee", is to oversee program evaluation and government accountability matters in State government. The Committee seeks to ensure that public funds are expended for intended purposes, and that programs and activities are effectively, efficiently and economically managed. The Committee accomplishes this mission by conducting public inquiries and directing the Office of Program Evaluation and Government Accountability to conduct independent, objective reviews of State agencies and programs and other entities receiving public funds or expending private monies for public purposes" (committee website).
  • Membership; committee materials; livestream; and meeting schedules available on website

Legislative Council

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The Council is responsible for the overall management of the entire Legislature. Its specific powers and duties are set forth in law (3 MRSA, section 162) and legislative rule. The Council is responsible for providing professional, nonpartisan staff support services to the Legislature and its officers, members, committees and commissions. These services include legislative research, bill drafting; policy, legal and fiscal analysis; fiscal note preparation; committee staffing; computer support services; public information; library and reference services and support; and general administrative services. The Legislative Council's staff is organized into the nonpartisan offices that operate under the direction of the Council's Executive Director. Other responsibilities delegated by the Legislature to the Council include preparing legislative budget requests and overseeing the legislative budget; establishing salary and benefit schedules for all legislative employees, except as otherwise provided by law; approval of employment practices; planning and oversight of projects designed to improve the organization, operation and physical facilities of the Legislature; and assignment of work to legislative committees when the Legislature is not in session. The Council also has responsibility for screening and approving requests to introduce legislation after cloture (after deadline bills) in any legislative session and exercises this same role for all bill requests prior to their introduction in the second regular session and all special sessions" (committee website).
  • Membership; committee materials; and meeting schedules and videos available on website

Non-Standing Committees Focused on Oversight

Fiscal Committees

Committee On Legislative Budget Subcommittee

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The Legislative Budget Subcommittee reviews the Legislative Budget and submits its recommendations to the Legislative Council for approval. The Legislative Budget Subcommittee is a standing committee of the Legislative Council and meets on an as needed basis" (committee website).
  • Membership; committee materials; livestream; and meeting schedules available on website

Joint Committee on Appropriations and Financial Affairs

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The Appropriations Committee, with input from the committees of jurisdiction, makes final recommendations to the Senate on which, if any, such legislation should be enacted, not enacted or amended given budgetary considerations" (committee website).
  • Membership; committee materials; livestream; and meeting schedules available on website

Legislative Council

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The Council is responsible for the overall management of the entire Legislature. Its specific powers and duties are set forth in law (3 MRSA, section 162) and legislative rule. The Council is responsible for providing professional, nonpartisan staff support services to the Legislature and its officers, members, committees and commissions. These services include legislative research, bill drafting; policy, legal and fiscal analysis; fiscal note preparation; committee staffing; computer support services; public information; library and reference services and support; and general administrative services. The Legislative Council's staff is organized into the nonpartisan offices that operate under the direction of the Council's Executive Director. Other responsibilities delegated by the Legislature to the Council include preparing legislative budget requests and overseeing the legislative budget; establishing salary and benefit schedules for all legislative employees, except as otherwise provided by law; approval of employment practices; planning and oversight of projects designed to improve the organization, operation and physical facilities of the Legislature; and assignment of work to legislative committees when the Legislature is not in session. The Council also has responsibility for screening and approving requests to introduce legislation after cloture (after deadline bills) in any legislative session and exercises this same role for all bill requests prior to their introduction in the second regular session and all special sessions" (council website).
  • Membership; committee materials; and meeting schedules and videos available on website

Oversight Partners

Office of Fiscal and Program Review

  • Website
  • Mission Statement: "The office collects, researches and analyzes fiscal and program information related to the finances and operation of State Government for legislators, legislative committees and commissions. As a part of this role the Office analyzes the Governor's budget and other appropriation requests, reviews all bills and amendments for their fiscal impacts to provide projections of revenue and expenditures and monitors agency financial status (including transfers of funds)" (official website).
  • Most Recent Reports:

Office of Program Evaluation and Government Accountability

Office of the State Auditor

  • Website
  • Mission Statement: "The Office of the State Auditor provides independent assurance that Maine government is accountable to the people.  We examine whether funds are spent legally and properly, and that data and systems are secure.  OSA auditors perform their work in accordance with Government Auditing Standards" (official website).
  • Most Recent Reports:

Office of the State Controller

  • Website
  • Mission Statement: "The Office of the State Controller's vision is to promote and achieve sound financial management practices with measurable, transparent results which garner public confidence." (official website).
  • Most Recent Reports:

Maine does not have an Office of the Inspector General.

Fiscal Data

Maryland

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Legislature

Committee Oversight Authority

The Maryland legislature has not issued any rules specifying the oversight authority of its committees.

Standing Committees Focused on Oversight

Joint Committee on Fair Practices and State Personnel Oversight

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: 
    • "Equal employment opportunity policies and practices in State government
    • "State personnel systems
    • "State procurement practices" (committee website).
  • Membership and meeting schedule available on website

Joint Committee on Gaming Oversight

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "Issue areas:
    • "Status of the State's gaming program
    • "Implementation of new laws related to gaming" (committee website).
  • Membership and meetings available on website

Joint Committee on Investigation

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "Abuses in expenditures of public monies" (committee website).
  • Membership and meeting schedule available on website

Joint Legislative Audit & Evaluation Committee

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: 
    • "[T]he Committee shall:
      • "(1) review audit reports issued by the Legislative Auditor and submit findings and recommendations to the General Assembly with respect to issues in audit reports; [and]
      • "(2) review the audit process and procedures and provide comment and recommendations to the President and the Speaker, the Executive Director of the Department of Legislative Services, and the Legislative Auditor;
      • "(3) review performance evaluations conducted and reports issued by the Office of Program Evaluation and Government Accountability and submit findings and recommendations to the General Assembly with respect to issues raised in the performance evaluations and reports; and
      • "(4) review the performance evaluation process and procedures and provide comment and recommendations to the President and the Speaker, the Executive Director of the Department of Legislative Services, and the Director of the Office of Program Evaluation and Government Accountability" (MD. State Government Code Ann. § 2-605 (2021)).
  • Membership and meetings available on website

Non-Standing Committees Focused on Oversight

Fiscal Committees

House Appropriations Committee

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The Appropriations Committee reviews legislation relating to State operating and capital budgets, including supplementary appropriations; collective bargaining; fiscal procedures; government personnel and pension matters; higher education institutions; State and county bond authorizations; State and local agency procedures and programs; and social services" (Maryland Manual Online)
  • Membership and meetings available on website

Joint Committee on Unemployment Insurance Oversight

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: 
    • "Issues related to the State's unemployment system
    • "Unemployment insurance" (committee website).
  • Membership and meetings available on website

Joint Committee on Workers' Compensation Benefit and Insurance Oversight

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "Workers' compensation benefits and insurance in Maryland" (committee website).
  • Membership and meetings available on website

Senate Budget and Taxation Committee

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The Budget and Taxation Committee considers legislation relating to State operating and capital budgets, including revenues, expenditures, and supplementary appropriations; education financing; government pension and retirement matters; legislative budgetary procedures; State and county bond authorizations; and taxation and property assessments" (Maryland Manual Online).
  • Membership and meetings available on website

Oversight Partners

Department of Legislative Services

  • Website
  • Mission Statement: "The department's mission is to facilitate the legislative process by providing the members of the General Assembly with the highest quality of staff support" (official website).
  • Most Recent Reports:

Office of Legislative Audits

  • Website

  • Mission Statement: “To serve the General Assembly and the citizens of Maryland by providing independent, objective, and non-partisan audits and evaluations of Executive and Judicial branch agencies to improve State government fiscal operations and programs” (official website).

  • Most Recent Reports:

Office of the Comptroller

  • Website
  • Mission Statement: "It is the responsibility of the Comptroller's Office of Maryland to provide the very latest tax and financial information to residents. In addition, it is incumbent upon every member of this agency to adhere to the three R's: treating taxpayers with respect, ensuring that we are responsive to taxpayer needs, and getting results in a timely manner.

    "Further, it is our mandate to provide a transparent, lighted path forward in government; opening the Free state's books and deciphering in the clearest way possible how taxpayer dollars are spent, and what Marylanders get in return for their hard work.

    "The Comptroller of Maryland and the entire agency stand at the ready to serve the taxpayers, vendors, and tax professionals of Maryland" (official website).

  • Most Recent Reports:

State Auditor

  • Website
  • Mission Statement: Not listed on website.
  • Most Recent Reports:

Maryland does not have an Office of the Inspector General, but some departments, including Human Services and Public Safety & Correctional Services, have their own.

Fiscal Data

Seal_of_Massachusetts.svg

Massachusetts

Legislature

Committee Oversight Authority

Below are rules issued by the Massachusetts legislature authorizing oversight by its committees. This information does not include oversight authority that may be granted to the legislature by state laws.

 

Joint Rules

“In order to assist the House and the Senate in their: (1) consideration and enactment of new legislation and modifications of existing laws, when either are deemed to be appropriate; (2) evaluation of the effectiveness and administration of laws and programs previously enacted; and (3) appraisal of the conditions and circumstances which may indicate the desirability of enacting new legislation, the various joint committees shall have the following oversight responsibilities:

“(i) each joint committee shall review and study, on a continuing basis, the implementation, administration, execution and effectiveness of those laws, or parts of law, the subject matter of which is within the jurisdiction of that committee, the administrative regulations adopted to implement those laws, and those state agencies or entities having responsibilities for the administration and execution of such laws;

“(ii) in carrying out these review and study activities, each committee shall determine whether such laws, administrative regulations and programs under those laws are being implemented in accordance with the intent of the General Court and whether such laws, administrative regulations and programs should be continued, curtailed or eliminated;

“(iii) each committee shall also review and study any conditions and circumstances which may indicate the necessity or desirability of enacting new legislation within the jurisdiction of that committee, regardless of whether any matter has been introduced on that subject, and shall, on a continuing basis, undertake research on matters within the jurisdiction of that committee.

“Committees shall coordinate oversight activities, under the direction of the presiding officers of both branches, to achieve the maximum objectives of clauses (i), (ii) and (iii).

“Each committee may, upon completion of its oversight hearings, report to the General Court the results of its findings and recommendations together with accompanying corrective legislation, if any, by filing the same with the Clerk of the House of Representatives or the Clerk of the Senate. Copies of such reports shall be, whenever practicable, made available to all members electronically and to the public via the Internet. The disposition of said reports shall be determined by the Clerks with the approval of the Speaker and the President.

“The Senate and House chairs of a joint committee may appoint subcommittees to investigate and study any matter referred to said subcommittee. Any subcommittee so established shall be co-chaired by a majority member of the Senate and a majority member of the House who are members of the joint standing committee appointing the subcommittee. The composition of the subcommittee shall be proportional to the composition of the appointing joint committee; provided, however, that not less than 10 per cent of the subcommittee's members shall be from the minority party. Chairs of subcommittees shall not be considered chairs under section 9B of chapter 3 of the General Laws. A subcommittee may, upon completion of an investigation and study, report the results of the investigation and study together with legislation, if any, by filing the same with the Senate and House chairs of the appointing joint committee.” (Joint Rule 1).

“In order to assist the Senate and House in its analysis and appraisal of laws enacted by the General Court, each joint standing committee, upon conclusion of the formal business of the annual sessions, shall, as authorized by Joint Rule 1, initiate oversight hearings to evaluate the effectiveness, application and administration of the subject matter of laws within the jurisdiction of that committee” (Joint Rule 12A).

Standing Committees Focused on Oversight

House Committee on Post Audit and Oversight

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "It shall be the duty of the committee on Post Audit and Oversight (established under Section 63 of Chapter 3 of the General Laws) to oversee the development and imple­mentation of legislative auditing programs conducted by the Legislative Post Audit and Oversight Bureau with particular emphasis on performance auditing" (committee website).
  • Membership, bills, and meeting schedule available on website

Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "It shall be the duty of the committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight to consider all matters concerning competitive bidding on public contracts, public construction, open meeting laws, state regulations, state agencies, lobbyists’ reporting laws and such other matters as may be referred" (committee website).
  • Membership, bills, and meeting schedule available on website

Senate Committee on Post Audit and Oversight

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "It shall be the duty of the committee on Post Audit and Oversight (established under Section 63 of Chapter 3 of the General Laws) to oversee the development and imple­mentation of legislative auditing programs conducted by the Legislative Post Audit and Oversight Bureau with particular emphasis on performance auditing" (committee website).
  • Membership, bills, and meeting schedule available on website

Non-Standing Committees Focused on Oversight

Fiscal Committees

House Committee on Federal Stimulus and Census Oversight

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The committee shall perform an ongoing review of federal spending, including but not limited to stimulus spending and block grants. The Committee shall work with the House Committee on Ways & Means to analyze federal stimulus allocations and research federal requirements on stimulus spending and compliance matters. The review of the committee shall focus on historical comparisons, best practices from other states, and tracking and reporting the uses of federal funding to both the House of Representatives and the public. The committee may review current state laws, regulations and policies in order to make recommendations that will allow Massachusetts to access additional funding. The committee shall also confer with the Special Committee on Redistricting to ensure continued communication with all stakeholders, including the Secretary of State’s office, to ensure the Commonwealth has the necessary structure and resources in place for an accurate and complete census count. The committee shall monitor formula-based and block grants, including Community Development Block Grants. The committee may act in an advisory and research role to support the development of processes and methods for the accurate collection of census data" (committee website).
  • Membership, bills, and meeting schedule available on website

House Committee on Ways and Means

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "It shall be the duty of the committee on Ways and Means to consider all legislation affect­ing the finances of the Commonwealth and such other matters as may be referred thereto" (committee website).
  • Membership, bills, and meeting schedule available on website

Joint Committee on Ways and Means

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "It shall be the duty of the committee on Ways and Means (Joint) to consider all matters relating to the finances of the Commonwealth and such other matters as may be referred thereto" (committee website).
  • Membership, bills, and meeting schedule available on website

Senate Committee on Ways and Means

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "It shall be the duty of the committee on Ways and Means to consider all matters relating to the finances of the Commonwealth and such other matters as may be referred thereto" (committee website).
  • Membership, bills, and meeting schedule available on website

Oversight Partners

Office of the Comptroller

  • Website
  • Mission Statement: "We oversee the Commonwealth’s financial systems, promoting integrity, mitigating risk, and providing accurate reporting and promoting transparency to illustrate the financial health of Massachusetts" (official website).
  • Most Recent Reports:

Office of the Inspector General

  • Website
  • Mission Statement: "The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) is an independent agency that prevents and detects fraud, waste and abuse of public funds and public property and promotes transparency and efficiency in government. We serve the residents of Massachusetts, state and local governments, and those who work with the government" (official website).
  • Most Recent Reports:

Office of the State Auditor

  • Website
  • Mission Statement: "The Office of State Auditor...conducts audits, investigations, and studies to promote accountability and transparency, improve performance, and make government work better" (official website).
  • Most Recent Reports:

Fiscal Data

Michigan

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Legislature

Committee Oversight Authority

Below are rules issued by the Michigan legislature authorizing oversight by its committees. This information does not include oversight authority that may be granted to the legislature by state laws.

 

House Rules

“Except as provided by MCL 4.541, the right of a special or standing committee to subpoena shall be granted by resolution of the House in accordance with Mason’s Manual of Legislative Procedure - current edition. The vote on adoption of a subpoena power resolution shall be by record roll call vote. The votes of a majority of the Members elected and serving shall be required for adoption. The right to subpoena shall not be granted to subcommittees” (House Rule 37).

Senate Rules

“b) Any committee may, by resolution of the Senate, be authorized to administer oaths, issue subpoenas, and examine books, records, and files (see MCL 4.101 and MCL 4.541)” (Senate Rule 2.102).

Standing Committees Focused on Oversight

House Ethics and Oversight Committee

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "Upon receipt of Auditor General reports, the Ethics and Oversight Committee shall review the reports and, if appropriate, refer the reports to the appropriate standing committee for consideration. Consideration by the standing committee shall not impede or preclude any Member from initiating any action in response to an Auditor General report" (Rule 36, House Rules).
  • Membership, testimony, and meeting minutes available on website

Senate Oversight Committee

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The Committee on Oversight shall receive for review all reports issued by the Auditor General" (Senate Resolution No. 2, 2023).
  • Membership; legislation; written testimony; and meeting notices, minutes, and audio available on website

Non-Standing Committees Focused on Oversight

Fiscal Committees

House Appropriations Committee

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "All Senate bills involving an appropriation must be referred either directly to the appropriations committee or to an appropriate standing committee and then to the appropriations committee."
  • "Legislators serving on the appropriations committee have multiple opportunities to hear and consider the governor’s recommendations for the budget. At appropriations subcommittee hearings, House and Senate fiscal agency staff provide detailed briefings, analyses, and reviews of the governor’s budget proposals. Executive department budget officials generally attend the hearings as well to provide explanations or clarifications. The chair of the subcommittee considering a bill may offer a substitute revising the original recommendations for consideration by the full appropriations committee. The full committee may report the bill for consideration on the floor without changes, with amendments, or as a substitute" (2019-2020 Legislative Briefing Book).
  • Membership and meeting documents, minutes, and audio files available on website

Senate Appropriations Committee

Oversight Partners

House Fiscal Agency

  • Website
  • Mission Statement: "The House Fiscal Agency is a nonpartisan agency within the Michigan House of Representatives. Agency personnel provide confidential, nonpartisan expertise to the House Appropriations Committee and all other members of the House on all legislative fiscal matters" (official website).
  • Most Recent Reports:

Senate Fiscal Agency

  • Website
  • Mission Statement: "[T]o provide the Michigan Senate with sound and unbiased assistance in two principal areas.

    "The first area involves assistance in State fiscal issues. The SFA provides staff support to the Senate Appropriations Committee and assists all members of the Senate on State fiscal issues. The SFA also is responsible for providing the Senate with detailed projections of the United States and Michigan economies and forecasts of State revenue collections.

    "The second principal area of staff support that the SFA provides to the Senate is analysis of all proposed legislation being considered by the Senate. This support takes the form of written analysis of proposed legislation that is available throughout the legislative deliberation process" (official website).

  • Most Recent Reports:

Office of the Auditor General

Michigan does not have an Office of the Inspector General, but the Department of Health and Human Services has its own.

Fiscal Data

  • Open Michigan Transparency & Spending
    • Data including expenditures, payments, tax expenditure reports, economic development projects, and more available on website
      • Data can be downloaded in .xlsx, .csv, and .pdf formats
  • State Budget Office
    • Budget, budget documents, spending and revenue reports, and more available on website

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Minnesota

Legislature

Committee Oversight Authority

Below are rules issued by the Minnesota legislature authorizing oversight by its committees. This information does not include oversight authority that may be granted to the legislature by state laws.

 

Senate Rules

“Each standing committee of the Senate, including a subcommittee of the committee, may at any time sit and act, investigate and take testimony on any matter within its jurisdiction, report hearings held by it, and make expenditures as authorized by the Committee on Rules and Administration” (Senate Rule 12.7).

"A standing committee, but not a subcommittee, may require by subpoena or otherwise the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of correspondence, books, papers, and documents, in the manner provided by Minnesota Statutes, section 3.153” (Senate Rule 12.8).

Standing Committees Focused on Oversight

Driver and Vehicle Systems Oversight Committee

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction:
    • The Driver and Vehicle Systems Oversight Committee was established in 2019 to:
      • "review progress reports and reports from the information technology auditor;
      • "oversee the implementation of the Vehicle Title and Registration System (VTRS);
      • "oversee the decommissioning of Minnesota Licensing and Registration System (MNLARS), including the funds and staff resources spent on the decommissioning;
      • "oversee the driver's license system; and
      • "on an annual basis, review the fee and surcharge increases required by this article, and make a recommendation to the legislature on whether the fee and surcharge increases are set of appropriate amounts" (committee website).
  • Membership and meeting agendas, minutes, materials, and video available on website

Legislative Audit Commission

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The commission appoints the Legislative Auditor and selects topics for the Program Evaluation Division to review. It also periodically holds hearings to review audit and evaluation reports" (commission website).
  • Membership and meeting agendas, minutes, materials, and video available on website

Non-Standing Committees Focused on Oversight

Fiscal Committees

House Ways and Means Committee

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction:
    • "(a) The Committee on Ways and Means must hold hearings as necessary to determine state expenditures and revenues for the fiscal biennium.
    • (b) Within 25 days after the last state general fund revenue and expenditure forecast for the next fiscal biennium becomes available during the regular session in the odd-numbered year, the Committee on Ways and Means must adopt a budget resolution. The budget resolution: (1) must set the maximum limit on net expenditures for the next fiscal biennium for the general fund, (2) must set an amount or amounts to be set aside as a budget reserve and a cash flow account, (3) must set net spending limits for each budget category represented by the major finance and revenue bills identified in paragraph (e), and (4) may set limits for expenditures from funds other than the general fund. The budget resolution must not specify, limit, or prescribe revenues or expenditures by any category other than those specified in clauses (1), (2), (3), and (4). After the Committee adopts the budget resolution, the limits in the resolution are effective during the regular session in the year in which the resolution is adopted, unless a different or amended resolution is adopted.
    • (c) During the regular session in the even-numbered year, before the Committee on Ways and Means reports a bill containing net increases or decreases in expenditures as compared to general fund expenditures in the current fiscal biennium estimated by the most recent state budget forecast, the Committee may adopt a budget resolution. If adopted, the resolution must account for the net changes in expenditures. The resolution may also (1) set limits for changes in net expenditures for each budget category represented by the major finance and revenue bills identified in paragraph (e), and (2) set limits for expenditures from funds other than the general fund" (House of Representatives Rules). 
  • Membership; legislation; and meeting schedules, minutes, and audio/video available on website

Legislative Budget Office Oversight Commission

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The Legislative Budget Office Oversight Commission was established in 2018 (Minnesota Statutes 3.8854) to review the work of the Legislative Budget Office (LBO) and make recommendations regarding the office's ability to fulfill its duties. The Oversight Commission is charged with appointing the LBO director and is also responsible for establishing the director's duties. The director of the LBO serves as the executive secretary of the Commission. The chair and vice-chair alternate biennially between the senate and the house of representatives" (commission website).
  • Membership and meeting information available on website

Senate Finance Committee

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The Committee on Finance has jurisdiction over all bills appropriating money, obligating the state to expend money, or establishing a policy requiring the expenditure of money" (Senate Committee Jurisdictions).
  • Membership; legislation; and meeting schedules, minutes, and audio/video available on website

Oversight Partners

House Fiscal Analysis Department

  • Website
  • Mission Statement: "The Fiscal Analysis Department prepares and distributes publications that provide information on state budget issues and government finance" (official website).
  • Most Recent Reports:

Legislative Budget Office

  • Website
  • Mission Statement: "Providing the Minnesota Legislature timely, impartial research and analysis on tax expenditures and the fiscal impact of legislation" (official website).
  • Most Recent Reports:

Office of the Legislative Auditor

  • Website
  • Mission Statement:
    • Strengthen legislative oversight
    • Improve accountability
    • Promote good management
    • Enhance program effectiveness (per Legislative Auditor, Feb. 2023)
  • Most Recent Reports:

Office of the State Auditor

  • Website
  • Mission Statement:
    • "Community With Purpose"
    • "Stewardship With Integrity" (official website).
  • Most Recent Reports:

Minnesota does not have an Office of the Inspector General, but the Department of Human Services has its own.

Fiscal Data

  • Management and Budget
    • Operating budget, capital budgets, budget process, forecasts, reports, and more available on website
      • Data can be downloaded in .xlsx, .csv, .pdf, and Tableau Workbook format
      • Graphs can be downloaded in .png, .pdf, .pptx, and Tableau Workbook format

Mississippi

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Legislature

Committee Oversight Authority

The Mississippi legislature has not issued any rules specifying the oversight authority of its committees.

Standing Committees Focused on Oversight

House Committee on Accountability, Efficiency, Transparency

Committees do not have individual websites. Membership is available on the Committee Listing page.

Joint Legislative Committee on Performance Evaluation and Expenditure Review (PEER)

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "PEER provides the Legislature with timely and accurate information on Mississippi state government in order to enable that body to perform its function of legislative oversight. PEER analyzes state agency programs and operations and helps the Legislature make state government more effective, efficient and accountable" (committee website).
  • Membership, review process, and publications available on website

Non-Standing Committees Focused on Oversight

Fiscal Committees

House Appropriations Committee

Committees do not have individual websites. Membership is available on the Committee Listing page.

Joint Legislative Budget Committee

Committees do not have individual websites. Membership is available on the Committee Listing page.

  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "There is created the Joint Legislative Budget Committee and the Legislative Budget Office which shall be governed by such committee" (Miss. Code Ann. § 27-103-101).

Senate Appropriations Committee

Committees do not have individual websites. Membership is available on the Committee Listing page.

Oversight Partners

Legislative Budget Office

  • Website
  • Mission Statement: "The mission of the Legislative Budget Office is to provide the technical staff support necessary to enable the Joint Legislative Budget Committee and the Legislature to adopt a balanced state budget, and to provide the data processing support necessary to the proper functioning of both the Joint Legislative Budget Committee and the Legislature" (official website).
  • Most Recent Reports:

Office of the State Auditor

  • Website
  • Mission Statement: "The mission of the Office of the State Auditor is to serve its stakeholders and protect the public’s trust by independently assessing state and local governmental and other entities to ensure that public funds are properly received, are legally, effectively, and efficiently spent and are accounted for and reported accurately" (official website).
    Most Recent Reports:

Mississippi does not have an Office of the Inspector General.

Fiscal Data

  • Budget and Fund Management
    • Budget, appropriations, and more available on website
  • Transparency Mississippi
    • Checkbook, contracts, bonds, payroll, COVID19 funds, and more data available on website
      • Data can be downloaded in .csv, .xlsx, .pdf, .html, and .txt formats

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Missouri

Legislature

Committee Oversight Authority

Below are rules issued by the Missouri legislature authorizing oversight by its committees. This information does not include oversight authority that may be granted to the legislature by state laws.

 

House Rules

“Each committee, in addition to the duties above prescribed, shall perform such other duties as may be required by the House. If it shall become necessary to compel the presence of any person before a committee, the production of records or documents, or to receive sworn testimony before a committee, a subpoena may be issued under the hand of the Speaker as provided by law. The chair of the committee shall be authorized to administer oaths and take testimony, either orally or by sworn written statement. Any person who knowingly testifies falsely upon such oath or affirmation may face criminal penalties for perjury or other offenses as provided by law” (House Rule 32).

“ (1) Subpoenas for witnesses and the production of records or documents may be issued at the request of any member of the House. All process awarded by the House, and subpoenas and other process for witnesses whose attendance is required by the House, shall be under the hand of the Speaker and attested by the Chief Clerk and shall be executed by the sergeant-at-arms or by a special messenger appointed for that purpose.

“(2) Any person who without adequate excuse fails to obey a subpoena served upon the person under subdivision (1) of this rule may be held in contempt.

“(3) The House may enforce any issued subpoenas as otherwise provided by law” (House Rule 104).

Standing Committees Focused on Oversight

Joint Committee on Governmental Accountability

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The joint committee shall:
    • "(1) Make a continuing study and analysis of inefficiencies, fraud and misconduct in state government;
    • "(2) Determine the appropriate method of obtaining data on each entity of state government that will provide relevant information at least biennially for the identification of potential and actual inefficiencies in each state entity's function, duties, and performance;
    • "(3) Determine from its study and analysis the need for changes in statutory law, rules, or policies; and
    • "(4) Make any other recommendation to the general assembly necessary to reduce inefficiencies in state government;
    • "(5) Identify and acknowledge government agencies and officials who perform functions in an efficient and effective manner" (Chapter 21, Section 820 (RSMo)).
  • Meeting minutes available on website

Joint Committee on Transportation Oversight

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The Committee on Governmental Accountability shall review, study, and investigate all matters referred to it relating to the application, administration, execution, and effectiveness of all state laws and programs, the organization, operation, consolidation, or abolition of state agencies and other entities having responsibility for the administration and execution of state laws and programs, and any conditions or circumstances that may indicate the necessity or desirability of enacting new or additional legislation to improve the efficiency of any state law or program. The Committee shall also consider and report upon bills and matters referred to it relating to the licensing of professionals in this state" (committee website).
  • Membership, bills, reports, and hearings available on website

Senate Committee on Governmental Accountability

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The Committee on Governmental Accountability shall review, study, and investigate all matters referred to it relating to the application, administration, execution, and effectiveness of all state laws and programs, the organization, operation, consolidation, or abolition of state agencies and other entities having responsibility for the administration and execution of state laws and programs, and any conditions or circumstances that may indicate the necessity or desirability of enacting new or additional legislation to improve the efficiency of any state law or program. The Committee shall also consider and report upon bills and matters referred to it relating to the licensing of professionals in this state" (committee website).
  • Membership available on website

Non-Standing Committees Focused on Oversight

Fiscal Committees

House Committee on Budget

  • Committees do not have individual website, but information can be found here
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction:
    • "(a) The Chair of the Committee on Budget shall have the sole responsibility of filing all appropriations bills. The Committee on Budget shall have the responsibility for any other bills, measures, or questions referred to it pertaining to the appropriation and disbursement of public moneys.
    • (b) Other duties. The committee may consider and report upon any bill or resolution referred to it which, in the opinion of the Speaker, merits special consideration. The committee may also consider and report upon bills and matters referred to it relating to the reorganization, consolidation, and abolition of boards, bureaus, commissions, and other offices and buildings of the state, including the Division of Facilities Management, Design and Construction, the capitol grounds, and the state and legislative libraries. The committee is empowered to study and investigate the efficiency and economy of all branches of government, including the possible existence of fraud, misfeasance, malfeasance, collusion, mismanagement, incompetence, corruption, waste, conflicts of interest, and the improper expenditure of government funds in transactions, contracts, and activities of the government or government officials and employees. The committee is authorized to hold hearings, sit, and act at any time or place within the state of Missouri during the recess and adjournment periods of the House, administer oaths, and take testimony, either orally or by sworn written statement. If the committee, after hearing and upon findings incorporated in a report, deems that a particular activity, bureau, agency, committee, commission, department, or any other entity of state government should be discontinued, it shall report such finding to the House for further action by the House.
    • (c) The Committee on Budget shall have the following subcommittees:
      • a. The Subcommittee on Appropriations - Agriculture, Conservation, Natural Resources, and Economic Development.
      • b. The Subcommittee on Appropriations - Education.
      • c. The Subcommittee on Appropriations - General Administration.
      • d. The Subcommittee on Appropriations - Health, Mental Health, and Social Services.
      • e. The Subcommittee on Appropriations - Public Safety, Corrections, Transportation, and Revenue.
      • f. Other subcommittees designated by the Speaker.
    • (d) The Committee on Budget may place a limitation on the time of floor debate for appropriations bills. If a time limitation is imposed, such time shall be divided equally between and controlled by the floor handler of the bill and the floor leader of the political party other than that of the floor handler or their respective designees" (House Rule 24).
  • Membership, assigned bills, and meeting minutes available on website

Senate Committee on Appropriations

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The Committee on Appropriations shall consider and report upon all bills and matters referred to it pertaining to general appropriations and disbursement of public money" (committee website).
  • Membership, assigned bills, and meeting minutes available on website

Senate Committee on Fiscal Oversight

  • Website
  • Mission Statement/Purpose/Jurisdiction: "The Committee on Fiscal Oversight shall review, study, and investigate all bills and matters referred to it relating to the fiscal affairs of the state or any state agency or department as well as any policy impacting the operation and effectiveness of any state agency or department or program thereof. The Committee on Fiscal Oversight shall also consider and report upon all bills, except regular appropriation bills, that require new appropriations or expenditures of appropriated funds in excess of $250,000, or that reduce such funds by that amount during any of the first three years that public funds will be used to fully implement the provisions of the Act, or that result in an increase in revenue to the state in excess of $250,000 during any of the first three years in which the provisions of the Act will be fully implemented. Any such senate bill, after having been approved by the regular standing committee to which it has been assigned and after the same has been perfected and ordered printed by the senate, shall thereafter be referred to the Committee on Fiscal Oversight for its consideration prior to its submission to the senate for final passage thereof by the senate. Any such house bill after having been reported by the regular standing committee to which it was assigned shall be referred t