2003 Senate Bill 160 / Public Act 1

Introduced in the Senate

Feb. 11, 2003

Introduced by Sen. Bruce Patterson (R-7)

To clarify in statute the duties and powers of the state Auditor General. The Auditor General would be required to conduct audits and examinations of all state branches, departments, offices, boards, commissions, agencies, authorities, and institutions. The Auditor General would be granted unrestricted access to all personnel, records, and information necessary to complete an audits of any entities and individuals receiving state funds, including subpoenas to compel testimony or the production of records. Note: The auditor general has previously had this authority and duty, but House Bill 5665, passed in 2002, inadvertently stripped the authorizing language from statute.

Referred to the Committee on Judiciary

Feb. 19, 2003

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the bill pass. The committee further recommends that the bill be given immediate effect.

Feb. 26, 2003

Amendment offered by Sen. Bruce Patterson (R-7)

To include in this statute penalties for attempting to influence or bribe the Auditor General and staff.

The amendment passed by voice vote

Passed in the Senate 37 to 0 (details)

Received in the House

Feb. 26, 2003

Referred to the Committee on Government Operations

March 11, 2003

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-2) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

March 12, 2003

Passed in the House 106 to 0 (details)

To clarify in statute the duties and powers of the state Auditor General. The Auditor General would be required to conduct audits and examinations of all state branches, departments, offices, boards, commissions, agencies, authorities, and institutions. The Auditor General would be granted unrestricted access to all personnel, records, and information necessary to complete an audits of any entities and individuals receiving state funds, including subpoenas to compel testimony or the production of records. Note: The auditor general has previously had this authority and duty, but House Bill 5665, passed in 2002, inadvertently stripped the authorizing language from statute. The House version is revised to make the language in the bill more closely track that in the Constitution establishing the position of Auditor General.

Received in the Senate

March 25, 2003

Passed in the Senate 38 to 0 (details)

To concur with the House-passed version of the bill.

Signed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm

April 3, 2003