Connecticut 2026 Session Status: In Committee Bipartisan · 2 R · 1 D cosponsors

SB 324 — AN ACT CONCERNING GOVERNMENT OVERSIGHT OVER FRAUD AND WASTE AND ESTABLISHING THE OFFICE OF GOVERNMENT OVERSIGHT AND EFFICIENCY.

Last action — FILE NO. 350

  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. 2
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed Senate
  4. 4
    Passed House
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill is in committee in the Senate. Introduced February 26, 2026. It must pass committee before a floor vote.

Next likely step: a committee vote, then a floor vote in the Senate.

Odds of enactment

Low chance

Based on the sponsor, cosponsors, and committee posture, this bill has a low chance of becoming law.

Upgrade to see the exact probability and what's driving it.

A statistical estimate from our own model of past outcomes — an insight, not a guarantee. Policymaking is volatile.

Prognosis

Advancing 36% · moderate confidence

  • In Committee

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 3 sponsors

    3 primary, 0 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Bipartisan support

    Sponsored across 2 parties (2 R · 1 D) — cross-party backing.

Based on stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes, and cross-state momentum — a description of the observable signals, not a prediction.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

590 added · 233 removed

Plain-language change summary

The latest version of Bill SB 324 has removed one member from the working group—specifically, the Auditors of Public Accounts—while maintaining other important representatives, including the Attorney General. This change simplifies the group's composition and may help streamline decision-making. By reducing the number of members, the bill aims to make the working group more efficient in addressing government oversight matters. This is significant because a smaller, more focused group can potentially lead to quicker and more effective recommendations for legislative improvements.

→
Previous
Latest
General Assembly Raised Bill No.
Senate General Assembly File No.
324 February Session, 2026 LCO No.
350 February Session, 2026 Substitute Senate Bill No.
2225 Referred to Committee on GOVERNMENT OVERSIGHT Introduced by:
324 Senate, April 2, 2026 The Committee on Government Oversight reported through SEN.
(GOS) AN ACT CONCERNING GOVERNMENT OVERSIGHT OVER FRAUD AND WASTE AND ESTABLISHING THE OFFICE OF GOVERNMENT OVERSIGHT AND EFFICIENCY.
GADKAR-WILCOX of the 22nd Dist., Chairperson of the Committee on the part of the Senate, that the substitute bill ought to pass.
AN ACT CONCERNING GOVERNMENT OVERSIGHT OVER FRAUD AND WASTE AND ESTABLISHING THE OFFICE OF GOVERNMENT OVERSIGHT AND EFFICIENCY.
(2) Two appointed by the president pro tempore of the Senate, one of LCO No.
sSB324 / File No.
2225 1 of 25 Raised Bill No.324 whom is a representative of a state employee collective bargaining unit;
350 1 sSB324 File No.
350 (2) Two appointed by the president pro tempore of the Senate, one of whom is a representative of a state employee collective bargaining unit;
(9) The Attorney General, or the Attorney General's designee;
and (9) The Attorney General, or the Attorney General's designee.
and (10) The Auditors of Public Accounts.
(f) The administrative staff of the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to government LCO No.
(f) The administrative staff of the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to government oversight shall serve as administrative staff of the working group.
2225 2 of 25 Raised Bill No.324 oversight shall serve as administrative staff of the working group.
sSB324 / File No.
(g) Not later than December 31, 2026, the working group shall submit a report on its findings and recommendations to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to government oversight, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a of the general statutes.
350 2 sSB324 File No.
350 (g) Not later than December 31, 2026, the working group shall submit a report on its findings and recommendations to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to government oversight, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a of the general statutes.
Sec.2.(NEW)(Effective October1,2026)(a)Forpurposesofthissection and sections 2 to 4, inclusive, of this act, "governmental agency" means a state agency or a quasi-public agency, "state agency" and "quasi-public agency" have the same meanings as provided in section 1-79 of the general statutes and "executive director" means the executive director of the Office of Government Oversight and Efficiency.
Sec.2.(NEW)(Effective October1,2026)(a)Forpurposesofthissection and sections 3 to 5, inclusive, of this act, "governmental agency" means a state agency or a quasi-public agency, "state agency" and "quasi-public agency" have the same meanings as provided in section 1-79 of the general statutes, "legislative leaders" means the president pro tempore of the Senate, the speaker of the House of Representatives and the minority leaders of the Senate and the House of Representatives, and "executive director" means the executive director of the Office of Government Oversight and Efficiency.
(c) The office shall be under the direction of an executive director, who shall be appointed by the Auditors of Public Accounts in accordance with this subsection, with the advice and consent of either house of the General Assembly.
(c) The office shall be under the direction of an executive director, who shall be appointed by the legislative leaders, with the advice and consent of either house of the General Assembly.
A committee consisting of the president pro tempore of the Senate, the speaker of the House of Representatives, the minority leaders of the Senate and the House of Representatives and the chairpersons and ranking members of the joint standing committee LCO No.
A committee consisting of the legislative leaders and the chairpersons and ranking members of the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to government administration shall submit to the legislative leaders the names of three candidates for sSB324 / File No.
2225 3 of 25 Raised Bill No.324 of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to government administration shall submit to the Auditors of Public Accounts the names of three candidates for appointment to the position of executive director.
350 3 sSB324 File No.
Not later than ninety days after the receipt of the names from the committee, the Auditors of Public Accounts shall appoint one of such candidates to be executive director and shall submit such nomination to either house of the General Assembly to undergo the confirmation process set forth in section 4-7 of the general statutes.
350 appointment to the position of executive director.
If the auditors fail to make such appointment within such ninety-day period, the committee by majority vote shall make such appointment and submit such nomination to either house of the General Assembly for confirmation.
Not later than ninety days after the receipt of the names from the committee, the legislative leadersshallappoint oneofsuchcandidatesto beexecutive directorand shall submit such nomination to either house of the General Assembly to undergo the confirmation process set forth in section 4-7 of the general statutes.
If the legislative leaders fail to make such appointment within such ninety-day period, the committee by majority vote shall make such appointment and submit such nomination to either house of the General Assembly for confirmation.
The executive director shall hold office for a term of five years and until the appointment of a successor, in the same manner as the original appointment, unless sooner removed for just cause by the Auditors of Public Accounts.
The executive director shall hold office for a term of five years and until the appointment of a successor, in the same manner astheoriginalappointment, unlesssooner removedfor just cause by the legislative leaders.
Such cause may include, but not be limited to,material neglect of duty, gross misconduct or conviction of a felony.
Such cause may include, but not be limited to, material neglect of duty, gross misconduct or conviction of a felony.
Sec.3.(NEW)(EffectiveOctober1,2026)(a)The executivedirector shall establish, within available appropriations, a system for the coordination of efforts between the Office of Government Oversight and Efficiency and officials performing similar duties and internal auditing functions within the various governmental agencies.
Sec.3.(NEW)(EffectiveOctober1,2026)(a)The executivedirectorshall establish, within available appropriations, a system for the coordination of efforts between the Office of Government Oversight and Efficiency and officials performing similar duties and internal auditing functions within the various governmental agencies.
LCO No.
(b) The executive director may adopt regulations, in accordance with chapter 54 of the general statutes, to implement the provisions of sections 2 to 5, inclusive, of this act.
2225 4 of 25 Raised Bill No.324 (b) The executive director may adopt regulations, in accordance with chapter 54 of the general statutes, to implement the provisions of sections 2 to 5, inclusive, of this act.
Sec.
sSB324 / File No.
350 4 sSB324 File No.
350 Sec.
(NEW)(Effective October1,2026)(a)The executive director may LCO No.
(NEW)(Effective October1,2026)(a)The executive director may make recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly concerning the prevention and detection of fraud, waste and abuse, including recommendations concerning legislation and regulations or the coordination of preventive measures by governmental and nongovernmental entities.
2225 5 of 25 Raised Bill No.324 make recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly concerning the prevention and detection of fraud, waste and abuse, including recommendations concerning legislation and regulations or the coordination of preventive measures by governmental and nongovernmental entities.
The executive director may assist or request assistance from any governmental agency, state employee or person or sSB324 / File No.
The executive director may assist or request assistance from any governmental agency, state employee or person or organization collecting or expending state funds or controlling state- owned or leased property.
350 5 sSB324 File No.
350 organization collecting or expending state funds or controlling state- owned or leased property.
(2) to the Attorney General, when the executive director hasa reasonablebeliefthatcivilrecoveryproceedings are appropriate;
(2) to the Attorney General, when the executive directorhasa reasonablebeliefthatcivilrecoveryproceedings are appropriate;
(d) All records of the Office of Government Oversight and Efficiency relating to an actual or potential inspection, or inquiry or investigation, shall be confidential and shall not be public records under the Freedom of Information Act, as defined in section 1-200 of the general statutes, until such time as (1) all such inspections, inquiries or investigations have been concluded and all criminal and civil actions arising from the records have been finally adjudicated or otherwise settled, or (2) to such extent as may be deemed appropriate by the executive director in the LCO No.
(d) All records of the Office of Government Oversight and Efficiency relating to an actual or potential inspection, or inquiry or investigation, shall be confidential and shall not be public records under the Freedom of Information Act, as defined in section 1-200 of the general statutes, until such time as (1) all such inspections, inquiries or investigations have been concluded and all criminal and civil actions arising from the records have been finally adjudicated or otherwise settled, (2) to such extent as may be deemed appropriate by the executive director in the performance of the executive director's duties, or (3) two years after receipt or creation of such records by the office, whichever is earlier.
2225 6 of 25 Raised Bill No.324 performance of the executive director's duties, whichever is earlier.
Where there are statutory requirements of confidentiality with regard to such records, books, data, files and other material printed or otherwise maintained by a governmental agency, such requirements of confidentiality and penalties for the violation of such requirements shall apply to the executive director and to the Office of Government Oversight and Efficiency's employees in the same manner and to the same extent as such requirements of confidentiality and penalties apply to such governmental agency and such agency's employees.
Where there are statutory requirements of confidentiality with regard to such records, books, data, files and other material printed or otherwise maintained by a governmental agency, sSB324 / File No.
350 6 sSB324 File No.
350 such requirements of confidentiality and penalties for the violation of such requirements shall apply to the executive director and to the Office of Government Oversight and Efficiency's employees in the same manner and to the same extent as such requirements of confidentiality and penalties apply to such governmental agency and such agency's employees.
(c) If the court determines, or the Attorney General certifies, that a public official or state or municipal employee, who was convicted of or pled guilty or nolo contendere to a crime related to state or municipal office, voluntarily provided information to the Attorney General, the LCO No.
(c) If the court determines, or the Attorney General certifies, that a public official or state or municipal employee, who was convicted of or pled guilty or nolo contendere to a crime related to state or municipal office, voluntarily provided information to the Attorney General, the Auditors of Public Accounts, the executive director of the Office of Government Oversight and Efficiency or any state, federal or local law enforcement official concerning the commission of such crime related to state or municipal office by another public official or state or municipal employee who had a greater degree of culpability for such crime than the public official or state or municipal employee providing such information, the court shall not reduce or revoke the pension of such public official or state or municipal employee, provided such public sSB324 / File No.
Show all 291 changed rows (251 more)
Previous
Latest
2225 7 of 25 Raised Bill No.324 Auditors of Public Accounts, the executive director of the Office of Government Oversight and Efficiency or any state, federal or local law enforcement official concerning the commission of such crime related to state or municipal office by another public official or state or municipal employee who had a greater degree of culpability for such crime than the public official or state or municipal employee providing such information, the court shall not reduce or revoke the pension of such public official or state or municipal employee, provided such public official or state or municipal employee voluntarily provided such information prior to learning of a criminal investigation into such crime related to state or municipal office.
350 7 sSB324 File No.
350 official or state or municipal employee voluntarily provided such information prior to learning of a criminal investigation into such crime related to state or municipal office.
(2) If the Auditors of Public Accounts decide to delay reporting such matterinaccordancewithsubdivision(1)ofthissubsection,theauditors LCO No.
(2) If the Auditors of Public Accounts decide to delay reporting such matterinaccordancewithsubdivision(1)ofthissubsection,theauditors shall immediately notify the Attorney General of such decision.
2225 8 of 25 Raised Bill No.324 shall immediately notify the Attorney General of such decision.
(4) Any state agency or quasi-public agency that is the subject of a report of the Auditors of Public Accounts that contains violations of state statute or regulation, other than only minor or technical recommendations, not later than six months after the issuance of the auditors' report, shall report on the status of any corrective action undertaken by such state agency or quasi-public agency to address such violations, to the auditors, the Governor and the General Assembly, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a.
(4) Any state agency or quasi-public agency that is the subject of a sSB324 / File No.
350 8 sSB324 File No.
350 report of the Auditors of Public Accounts that contains violations of state statute or regulation, other than only minor or technical recommendations, not later than six months after the issuance of the auditors' report, shall report on the status of any corrective action undertaken by such state agency or quasi-public agency to address such violations, to the auditors, the Governor and the General Assembly, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a.
All boards of trustees of state institutions, state department heads, boards, commissions, other state agencies responsible for state property and funds and quasi-public agencies, as defined in section 1-120, shall promptly notify the Auditors of Public Accounts, [and] the Comptroller and the executive director of the Office of Government Oversight and Efficiency of any (1) unauthorized, illegal, irregular or unsafe handling or expenditure of state or quasi-public agency funds, (2) breakdowns in the safekeeping of any other resources of the state or quasi-public agencies, (3) breach of security, as defined in section 36a-701b, or (4) LCO No.
All boards of trustees of state institutions, state department heads, boards, commissions, other state agencies responsible for state property and funds and quasi-public agencies, as defined in section 1-120, shall promptly notify the Auditors of Public Accounts, [and] the Comptroller and the executive director of the Office of Government Oversight and Efficiency of any (1) unauthorized, illegal, irregular or unsafe handling or expenditure of state or quasi-public agency funds, (2) breakdowns in the safekeeping of any other resources of the state or quasi-public agencies, (3) breach of security, as defined in section 36a-701b, or (4) contemplated action to commit one of the acts listed in subdivisions (1) to (3), inclusive, of this section within their knowledge.
2225 9 of 25 Raised Bill No.324 contemplated action to commit one of the acts listed in subdivisions (1) to (3), inclusive, of this section within their knowledge.
Each foundation shall develop, in conjunction with the [Auditors of Public Accounts] executive director of the Office of Government Oversight and Efficiency, and implement a written policy (1) for the investigation of any matter involving corruption, unethical practices, violation of state laws or regulations, mismanagement, gross waste of funds, abuse of authority or danger to the public safety occurring in such foundation, (2) prohibiting any officer or employee of the foundation from taking or threatening to take any personnel action against any foundation employee who transmits information concerning any such matter, (3) providing that any foundation employee who is found to have knowingly and maliciously made false chargesconcerning any suchmatter under subdivision(1)ofthissection shall be subject to disciplinary action by the employee's appointing authority, up to and including dismissal, and (4) requiring the foundation to provide a copy of such policy to its employees and to periodically notify the employees of the existence of the policy.
Each foundation shall develop, in conjunction with the [Auditors of Public Accounts] executive director of the Office of Government Oversight and Efficiency, and implement a written policy (1) for the sSB324 / File No.
350 9 sSB324 File No.
350 investigation of any matter involving corruption, unethical practices, violation of state laws or regulations, mismanagement, gross waste of funds, abuse of authority or danger to the public safety occurring in such foundation, (2) prohibiting any officer or employee of the foundation from taking or threatening to take any personnel action against any foundation employee who transmits information concerning any such matter, (3) providing that any foundation employee who is found to have knowingly and maliciously made false chargesconcerning any suchmatter under subdivision(1)ofthissection shall be subject to disciplinary action by the employee's appointing authority, up to and including dismissal, and (4) requiring the foundation to provide a copy of such policy to its employees and to periodically notify the employees of the existence of the policy.
(a) Any person having knowledge of any matter involving (1) corruption, unethical practices, violation of state laws or regulations, mismanagement, gross waste of funds, abuse of authority or danger to the public safety occurring in any state department or agency, any quasi-public agency, as defined in section 1-120, or any Probate Court, (2) corruption, violation of state or federal laws or regulations, gross LCO No.
(a) Any person having knowledge of any matter involving (1) corruption, unethical practices, violation of state laws or regulations, mismanagement, gross waste of funds, abuse of authority or danger to the public safety occurring in any state department or agency, any quasi-public agency, as defined in section 1-120, or any Probate Court, (2) corruption, violation of state or federal laws or regulations, gross waste of funds, abuse of authority or danger to the public safety occurring in any large state contract, or (3) corruption by an entity receiving financial assistance pursuant to title 32 that has failed to meet its contractual obligations or has failed to satisfy any condition regarding such financial assistance, may transmit all facts and information in such person's possession concerning such matter to the Auditors of Public Accounts and the executive director of the Office of Government Oversight and Efficiency.
2225 10 of 25 Raised Bill No.324 waste of funds, abuse of authority or danger to the public safety occurring in any large state contract, or (3) corruption by an entity receiving financial assistance pursuant to title 32 that has failed to meet its contractual obligations or has failed to satisfy any condition regarding such financial assistance, may transmit all facts and information in such person's possession concerning such matter to the [Auditors of Public Accounts] executive director of the Office of Government Oversight and Efficiency.
Upon receiving such a report, the Attorney General shall make such investigation as the Attorney General deems proper regarding such report and any other information that may be reasonably derived from suchreport.
Upon receiving such a report, the Attorney General shall make such investigation as the Attorney General deems proper regarding such report and any other information that may be reasonably derived from sSB324 / File No.
350 10 sSB324 File No.
350 suchreport.
LCO No.
(C) The complaint is trivial, frivolous, vexatious or not made in good faith;
2225 11 of 25 Raised Bill No.324 (C) The complaint is trivial, frivolous, vexatious or not made in good faith;
(3) If at any time the [Auditors of Public Accounts determine] executive director determines that a complaint is more appropriately investigated by another state agency, the [Auditors of Public Accounts] executive director shall refer the complaint to such agency.
sSB324 / File No.
350 11 sSB324 File No.
350 (3) If at any time the [Auditors of Public Accounts determine] executive director determines that a complaint is more appropriately investigated by another state agency, the [Auditors of Public Accounts] executive director shall refer the complaint to such agency.
(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 12-15, the Commissioner of Revenue Services may, upon written request by the [Auditors of Public Accounts] executive director, disclose return or returninformation,asdefinedinsection12-15,tothe[AuditorsofPublic Accounts] executive director for purposes of preparing a report under subsection (a) or (b) of this section.
(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 12-15, the Commissioner of Revenue Services may, upon written request by the [Auditors of Public Accounts] executive director, disclose return or return information, as defined in section 12-15, to the Auditors of Public Accounts or executive director for purposes of preparing a report under subsection (a) or (b) of this section.
Any person who violates the provisions of LCO No.
Any person who violates the provisions of this subsection shall be subject to the provisions of subsection (g) of section 12-15.
2225 12 of 25 Raised Bill No.324 this subsection shall be subject to the provisions of subsection (g) of section 12-15.
Upon the conclusion of the investigation, the Attorney General shall where necessary, report any findings to the Governor, or in matters involving criminal activity, to the Chief State's Attorney.
Upon the conclusion of the investigation, the Attorney General shall where sSB324 / File No.
In addition to the exempt records provision of section 1-210, the [Auditors of Public Accounts] executive director and the Attorney General shall not, after receipt of any information from a person under the provisions of this section or sections 4-276 to 4-280, inclusive, disclose the identity of such person without such person's consent unless the [Auditors of Public Accounts] executive director or the Attorney General determines that such disclosure is unavoidable, and may withhold records of such investigation, during the pendency of the investigation.
350 12 sSB324 File No.
All documentary material or other information furnished to the Attorney General,theAttorneyGeneral'sdeputyoranyassistantattorneygeneral designated by the Attorney General, pursuant to a demand issued under this subsection for the purpose of investigating a suspected violation of subsection (a) of section 4-275, shall be returned to the person furnishing such documentary material or other information, or, if such person furnished such documentary material or other LCO No.
350 necessary, report any findings to the Governor, or in matters involving criminal activity, to the Chief State's Attorney.
2225 13 of 25 Raised Bill No.324 information in an electronic format, erased, upon the termination of the Attorney General's investigation or final determination of any action or proceeding commenced thereunder.
In addition to the exempt records provision of section 1-210, the Auditors of Public Accounts, executive director and [the] Attorney General shall not, after receipt of any information from a person under the provisions of this section or sections 4-276 to 4-280, inclusive, disclose the identity of such person without such person's consent unless the Auditors of Public Accounts, executive director or the Attorney General determines that such disclosure is unavoidable, and may withhold records of such investigation, during the pendency of the investigation.
(e) (1) No state officer or employee, as defined in section 4-141, no quasi-public agency officer or employee, no officer or employee of a large state contractor and no appointing authority shall take or threaten to take any personnel action against any state or quasi-public agency employee or any employee of a large state contractor in retaliation for (A) such employee's or contractor's disclosure of information to (i) an employee of the [Auditors of Public Accounts] Office of Government Oversight and Efficiency or the Attorney General under the provisions of subsection (a) of this section;
All documentary material or other information furnished to the Attorney General,theAttorneyGeneral'sdeputyoranyassistantattorneygeneral designated by the Attorney General, pursuant to a demand issued under this subsection for the purpose of investigating a suspected violation of subsection (a) of section 4-275, shall be returned to the person furnishing such documentary material or other information, or, if such person furnished such documentary material or other information in an electronic format, erased, upon the termination of the Attorney General's investigation or final determination of any action or proceeding commenced thereunder.
(e) (1) No state officer or employee, as defined in section 4-141, no quasi-public agency officer or employee, no officer or employee of a large state contractor and no appointing authority shall take or threaten to take any personnel action against any state or quasi-public agency employee or any employee of a large state contractor in retaliation for (A) such employee's or contractor's disclosure of information to (i) an employee of the Auditors of Public Accounts, the Office of Government Oversight and Efficiency or the Attorney General under the provisions of subsection (a) of this section;
or (B) such employee's testimony or assistance in any proceeding under this section.
or (B) sSB324 / File No.
350 13 sSB324 File No.
350 such employee's testimony or assistance in any proceeding under this section.
The Chief Human Rights Referee shall assign the complaint to a human rights referee appointed under section 46a-57, who shall conduct a hearing and issue a decision concerning whether LCO No.
The Chief Human Rights Referee shall assign the complaint to a human rights referee appointed under section 46a-57, who shall conduct a hearing and issue a decision concerning whether the officer or employee taking or threatening to take the personnel action violated any provision of this section.
2225 14 of 25 Raised Bill No.324 the officer or employee taking or threatening to take the personnel action violated any provision of this section.
(B) The Chief Human Rights Referee shall adopt regulations, in accordance withtheprovisionsofchapter 54,establishing theprocedure for filing complaints and noticing and conducting hearings under subparagraph (A) of this subdivision.
sSB324 / File No.
350 14 sSB324 File No.
350 (B) The Chief Human Rights Referee shall adopt regulations, in accordance withtheprovisionsofchapter 54,establishing theprocedure for filing complaints and noticing and conducting hearings under subparagraph (A) of this subdivision.
or (B) an employee of a large state contractor alleging that such action has been threatened or taken may, after LCO No.
or (B) an employee of a large state contractor alleging that such action has been threatened or taken may, after exhausting all available administrative remedies, bring a civil action in accordance with the provisions of subsection (c) of section 31-51m.
2225 15 of 25 Raised Bill No.324 exhausting all available administrative remedies, bring a civil action in accordance with the provisions of subsection (c) of section 31-51m.
(4) In any proceeding under subdivision (2) or (3) of this subsection concerning a personnel action taken or threatened against any state or quasi-public agency employee or any employee of a large state contractor, which personnel action occurs not later than two years after the employee first transmits facts and information concerning a matter under subsection (a) of this section or discloses information under subdivision (1) of this subsection to the Auditors of Public Accounts, the executive director, the Attorney General or an employee of a state agency, quasi-public agency or Probate Court, as applicable, there shall be a rebuttable presumption that the personnel action is in retaliation for the action taken by the employee under subsection (a) of this section or subdivision (1) of this subsection.
(4) In any proceeding under subdivision (2) or (3) of this subsection concerning a personnel action taken or threatened against any state or quasi-public agency employee or any employee of a large state contractor, which personnel action occurs not later than two years after the employee first transmits facts and information concerning a matter under subsection (a) of this section or discloses information under subdivision (1) of this subsection to the [Auditors of Public Accounts] executive director, the Attorney General or an employee of a state agency, quasi-public agency or Probate Court, as applicable, there shall be a rebuttable presumption that the personnel action is in retaliation for the action taken by the employee under subsection (a) of this section or subdivision (1) of this subsection.
(5) If a state officer or employee, as defined in section 4-141, a quasi- public agency officer or employee, anofficer or employee ofa large state contractor or an appointing authority takes or threatens to take any action to impede, fail to renew or cancel a contract between a state agency and a large state contractor, or between a large state contractor and its subcontractor, in retaliation for the disclosure of information sSB324 / File No.
(5) If a state officer or employee, as defined in section 4-141, a quasi- public agency officer or employee, anofficer or employee ofa large state contractor or an appointing authority takes or threatens to take any action to impede, fail to renew or cancel a contract between a state agency and a large state contractor, or between a large state contractor and its subcontractor, in retaliation for the disclosure of information pursuant to subsection (a) of this section or subdivision (1) of this subsectiontoanyagencylistedinsubdivision(1)ofthissubsection,such affected agency, contractor or subcontractor may, not later than ninety days after learning of such action, threat or failure to renew, bring a civil action in the superior court for the judicial district of Hartford to recover damages, attorney's fees and costs.
350 15 sSB324 File No.
(f) Any employee of a state agency, quasi-public agency, Probate Court or large state contractor, who is found by the [Auditors of Public Accounts] executive director, the Attorney General, a human rights referee or the Employees' Review Board to have knowingly and maliciously made false charges under subsection (a) of this section, shall be subject to disciplinary action by such employee's appointing LCO No.
350 pursuant to subsection (a) of this section or subdivision (1) of this subsectiontoanyagencylistedinsubdivision(1)ofthissubsection,such affected agency, contractor or subcontractor may, not later than ninety days after learning of such action, threat or failure to renew, bring a civil action in the superior court for the judicial district of Hartford to recover damages, attorney's fees and costs.
2225 16 of 25 Raised Bill No.
(f) Any employee of a state agency, quasi-public agency, Probate Court or large state contractor, who is found by the [Auditors of Public Accounts] executive director, the Attorney General, a human rights referee or the Employees' Review Board to have knowingly and maliciously made false charges under subsection (a) of this section, shall be subject to disciplinary action by such employee's appointing authority up to and including dismissal.
324 authority up to and including dismissal.
(h) Each contract between a state or quasi-public agency and a large state contractor shall provide that, if an officer, employee or appointing authority of a large state contractor takes or threatens to take any personnel action against any employee of the contractor in retaliation for such employee's disclosure of information to any employee of the contracting state or quasi-public agency or the [Auditors of Public Accounts] executive director or the Attorney General under the provisions of subsection (a) or subdivision (1) of subsection (e) of this section, the contractor shall be liable for a civil penalty of not more than five thousand dollars for each offense, up to a maximum of twenty per cent of the value of the contract.
(h) Each contract between a state or quasi-public agency and a large state contractor shall provide that, if an officer, employee or appointing authority of a large state contractor takes or threatens to take any personnel action against any employee of the contractor in retaliation for such employee's disclosure of information to any employee of the contracting state or quasi-public agency or the Auditors of Public Accounts, executive director or [the] Attorney General under the provisions of subsection (a) or subdivision (1) of subsection (e) of this section, the contractor shall be liable for a civil penalty of not more than sSB324 / File No.
350 16 sSB324 File No.
350 five thousand dollars for each offense, up to a maximum of twenty per cent of the value of the contract.
(i) Each state agency or quasi-public agency shall post a notice of the provisions of this section relating to state employees and quasi-public agency employees in a conspicuous place that is readily available for LCO No.
(i) Each state agency or quasi-public agency shall post a notice of the provisions of this section relating to state employees and quasi-public agency employees in a conspicuous place that is readily available for viewing by employees of such agency or quasi-public agency.
2225 17 of 25 Raised Bill No.324 viewing by employees of such agency or quasi-public agency.
(l) (1) No officer or employee of a state shellfish grounds lessee shall take or threaten to take any personnel action against any employee of a state shellfish grounds lessee in retaliation for (A) such employee's disclosure of information to an employee of the leasing agency concerning information involving the state shellfish grounds lease, or (B) such employee's testimony or assistance in any proceeding under this section.
(l) (1) No officer or employee of a state shellfish grounds lessee shall take or threaten to take any personnel action against any employee of a state shellfish grounds lessee in retaliation for (A) such employee's sSB324 / File No.
(2) (A) Not later than ninety days after learning of the specific incident giving rise to a claim that a personnel action has been threatened or has occurred in violation of subdivision (1) of this subsection, an employee of a state shellfish grounds lessee or the employee's attorney may file a complaint against the state shellfish grounds lessee concerning such personnel action with the Chief Human LCO No.
350 17 sSB324 File No.
2225 18 of 25 Raised Bill No.324 Rights Referee designated under section 46a-57.
350 disclosure of information to an employee of the leasing agency concerning information involving the state shellfish grounds lease, or (B) such employee's testimony or assistance in any proceeding under this section.
(2) (A) Not later than ninety days after learning of the specific incident giving rise to a claim that a personnel action has been threatened or has occurred in violation of subdivision (1) of this subsection, an employee of a state shellfish grounds lessee or the employee's attorney may file a complaint against the state shellfish grounds lessee concerning such personnel action with the Chief Human Rights Referee designated under section 46a-57.
(B) The Chief Human Rights Referee shall adopt regulations, in accordance withtheprovisionsofchapter 54,establishing theprocedure for filing complaints and noticing and conducting hearings under subparagraph (A) of this subdivision.
sSB324 / File No.
350 18 sSB324 File No.
350 (B) The Chief Human Rights Referee shall adopt regulations, in accordance withtheprovisionsofchapter 54,establishing theprocedure for filing complaints and noticing and conducting hearings under subparagraph (A) of this subdivision.
LCO No.
(4) In any proceeding under subdivision (2) or (3) of this subsection concerning a personnelactiontakenorthreatenedagainst anyemployee of a state shellfish grounds lessee, which personnel action occurs not later than two years after the employee first transmits facts and information to an employee of the leasing agency concerning the state shellfish grounds lease, there shall be a rebuttable presumption that the personnel action is in retaliation for the action taken by the employee under subdivision (1) of this subsection.
2225 19 of 25 Raised Bill No.324 (4) In any proceeding under subdivision (2) or (3) of this subsection concerning a personnelactiontakenorthreatenedagainst anyemployee of a state shellfish grounds lessee, which personnel action occurs not later than two years after the employee first transmits facts and information to an employee of the leasing agency concerning the state shellfish grounds lease, there shall be a rebuttable presumption that the personnel action is in retaliation for the action taken by the employee under subdivision (1) of this subsection.
(f) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (e) of this section, where the action is one that the court finds to be based primarily on disclosures of specific information that was not provided by the person bringing the action relating to allegations or transactions (1) in a criminal, civil or administrative hearing, (2) in a report, hearing, audit or investigation conducted by the General Assembly, a committee of the General Assembly, the Auditors of Public Accounts, Office of Government Oversight and Efficiency, a state agency or a quasi-public agency, or (3) from the news media, the court may award from such proceeds to the person bringing the action such sums as it considers appropriate, but in no case more than ten per cent of the proceeds, taking into account the significance of the information and the role of the person bringing the action in advancing the case to litigation.
(f) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (e) of this section, where the action is one that the court finds to be based primarily on disclosures of specific information that was not provided by the person bringing the action relating to allegations or transactions (1) in a criminal, civil or administrative hearing, (2) in a report, hearing, audit or investigation conducted by the General Assembly, a committee of the General Assembly, the Auditors of Public Accounts, the Office of Government Oversight and Efficiency, a state agency or a quasi-public agency, or (3) from the news media, the court may award from such proceeds to the person bringing the action such sums as it considers appropriate, but in no case more than ten per cent of the proceeds, taking into account the significance of the information and the role of the person bringing the action in advancing the case to litigation.
Any such person shall also receive an amount for reasonable expenses that the court finds to have been necessarily incurred, plus reasonable attorneys' fees and costs.
Any sSB324 / File No.
350 19 sSB324 File No.
350 such person shall also receive an amount for reasonable expenses that the court finds to have been necessarily incurred, plus reasonable attorneys' fees and costs.
LCO No.
(b) Unless opposed by the state, the court shall dismiss an action or claim brought under section 4-277 if allegations or transactions that are substantially the same as those alleged in the action or claim were publicly disclosed (1) in a state criminal, civil or administrative hearing in which the state or its agent is a party, (2) in a report, hearing, audit or investigation conducted by the General Assembly, a committee of the General Assembly, the Auditors of Public Accounts, the Office of Government Oversight and Efficiency, a state agency or quasi-public agency, or (3) by the news media, except the court shall not dismiss such action or claim if the action or claim is brought by the Attorney General or the person who is an original source of information.
2225 20 of 25 Raised Bill No.324 (b) Unless opposed by the state, the court shall dismiss an action or claim brought under section 4-277 if allegations or transactions that are substantially the same as those alleged in the action or claim were publicly disclosed (1) in a state criminal, civil or administrative hearing in which the state or its agent is a party, (2) in a report, hearing, audit or investigation conducted by the General Assembly, a committee of the General Assembly, the Auditors of Public Accounts, Office of Government Oversight and Efficiency, a state agency or quasi-public agency, or (3) by the news media, except the court shall not dismiss such action or claim if the action or claim is brought by the Attorney General or the person who is an original source of information.
Not later than thirty days after the passage of a public or special act or the adoption of a regulation that constitutes a materialandsubstantialchange inthelaw,thestate agency that is charged with implementing or enforcing such act or regulation shall notify all persons affected by such change in the law for whom the state agency hasanelectronicmailaddress for, ofsuch change, and shall post a copy of such notice on the state agency's Internet web site.
Not later than thirty days after the passage of a public or special act or the adoption of a regulation that constitutesa materialandsubstantialchange inthelaw,thestate agency that is charged with implementing or enforcing such act or regulation shall notify all persons affected by such change in the law for whom the state agency hasanelectronicmailaddress for,ofsuch change, and shall post a copy of such notice on the state agency's Internet web site.
(1) One appointed by the speaker of the House of Representatives, who has expertise in state government;
sSB324 / File No.
350 20 sSB324 File No.
350 (1) One appointed by the speaker of the House of Representatives, who has expertise in state government;
LCO No.
(4) One appointed by the majority leader of the Senate, who has expertise in human services;
2225 21 of 25 Raised Bill No.324 (4) One appointed by the majority leader of the Senate, who has expertise in human services;
(g) Appointed members of the working group shall serve for three- year terms which shall commence on the date of appointment, except as provided in subsection (d) of this section.
sSB324 / File No.
350 21 sSB324 File No.
350 (g) Appointed members of the working group shall serve for three- year terms which shall commence on the date of appointment, except as provided in subsection (d) of this section.
Any LCO No.
Any vacancy occurring other than by expiration of term shall be filled for the balance of the unexpired term.
2225 22 of 25 Raised Bill No.324 vacancy occurring other than by expiration of term shall be filled for the balance of the unexpired term.
(m) Not later than January 1, 2027, and annually thereafter, the working group shall submit a report, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a of the general statutes, to the Governor and the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to government oversight and appropriations and the budgets of state agencies on the results of the program evaluations LCO No.
(m) Not later than January 1, 2027, and annually thereafter, the sSB324 / File No.
2225 23 of 25 Raised Bill No.324 conducted by the working group during the prior year and any recommendations for policy changes and amendments to the general statutes necessary to improve or eliminate such programs.
350 22 sSB324 File No.
350 working group shall submit a report, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a of the general statutes, to the Governor and the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to government oversight and appropriations and the budgets of state agencies on the results of the program evaluations conducted by the working group during the prior year and any recommendations for policy changes and amendments to the general statutes necessary to improve or eliminate such programs.
In the case of an audit report that has financial implications, the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to government oversight and the appropriations and the budgets of state agencies shall hold such joint hearing, and the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, the auditors and the head of the state agency that is the subject of such report shall attend such hearing.
In the case of an audit report that has adverse financial implications of five hundred thousand dollars or more, the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to government oversight and the appropriations and the budgets of state agencies shall hold such joint hearing, and the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, the auditors and the head of the state agency that is the subject of such report shall attend such hearing.
This act shall take effect as follows and shall amend the following sections:
sSB324 / File No.
350 23 sSB324 File No.
350 This act shall take effect as follows and shall amend the following sections:
4 October 1, 2026 New section LCO No.
4 October 1, 2026 New section Sec.
2225 24 of 25 Raised Bill No.
324 Sec.
16 October 1, 2026 2-92a Statement of Purpose:
16 October 1, 2026 2-92a Statement of Legislative Commissioners:
To establish a working group to uncover fraud and waste in state government, establish the Office of Government Oversight and Efficiency, require state agencies to notify affected parties of material and substantial changes in law, establish the Results-Based Accountability Working Group and require the involvement of additional committees and public officials for audit reports that have financial implications.
In Section 2, "sections 2 to 4, inclusive" was changed to "sections 3 to 5, inclusive" for accuracy and the definition of "legislative leaders" was moved from Subsec.
[Proposed deletions are enclosed in brackets.
(c) to Subsec.
Proposed additions are indicated by underline, except underlined.]e entire text of a bill or resolution or a section of a bill or resolution is new, it is not LCO No.
(a), for consistency with standard drafting conventions.
2225 25 of 25
GOS Joint Favorable Subst.
sSB324 / File No.
350 24 sSB324 File No.
350 The following Fiscal Impact Statement and Bill Analysis are prepared for the benefit of the members of the General Assembly, solely for purposes of information, summarization and explanation and do not represent the intent of the General Assembly or either chamber thereof for any purpose.
In general, fiscal impacts are based upon a variety of informational sources, including the analyst’s professional knowledge.
Whenever applicable, agency data is consulted as part of the analysis, however final products do not necessarily reflect an assessment from any specific department.
OFA Fiscal Note State Impact:
Agency Affected Fund-Effect FY 27 $ FY 28 $ Legislative Mgmt.
GF - Cost 455,000 590,000 State Comptroller - Fringe GF - Cost 169,371 225,828 Benefits1 Note:
GF=General Fund Municipal Impact:
None Explanation The bill creates the Office of Government Oversight and Efficiency (OGOE) to detect and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse and tasks the office with various requirements resulting in a cost to the Office of Legislative Management (OLM) .
To meet the requirements of the bill the OGOE will need to hire a director and four additional staff for a salary and other expenses cost of $455,000 in FY 27 and $590,000 in FY 28, along with associated fringe benefits of $169,371 in FY 27 and $225,828 in FY 28.
1The fringe benefit costs for most state employees are budgeted centrally in accounts administered by the Comptroller.
The estimated active employee fringe benefit cost associated with most personnel changes is 41.82% of payroll in FY 27.
2The bill requires the OGOE to create a system of coordination for offices performing similar duties and auditing functions, approve audit programs, conduct inspections and investigations into expenditures of state funds and use of state-owned or leased property, adopt regulations, make recommendations to the CGA for the detection of fraud, and submit an annual report to the CGA.
3The OGOE is within OLM for administrative purposes only.
4Costs in FY 27 reflect nine months of expenditures due to the bill's 10/1/26 effective date.
sSB324 / File No.
350 25 sSB324 File No.
350 The bill also creates a working group on preventing the waste of taxpayer dollars and a results-based accountability working group resulting in no fiscal impact to the state because the working groups have the expertise to meet the requirements of the bill.
The Out Years The annualized ongoing fiscal impact identified above would continue into the future subject to employee wage increases and inflation.
sSB324 / File No.
350 26 sSB324 File No.
350 OLR Bill Analysis sSB 324 AN ACT CONCERNING GOVERNMENT OVERSIGHT OVER FRAUD AND WASTE AND ESTABLISHING THE OFFICE OF GOVERNMENT OVERSIGHT AND EFFICIENCY.
SUMMARY This bill establishes the Office of Government Oversight and Efficiency (OGOE) to detect and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse in (1) state personnel management;
(2) state property use and disposition;and (3) the collection, disbursement, and expenditure of state and federal funds administered by state or quasi-public agencies (governmental agencies).
It must also evaluate the economy, efficiency, and effectiveness of these agencies and private contractors providing government services.
The bill establishes OGOE as an independent office under the Joint Committee on Legislative Management for administrative purposes only (§§ 2-13).
The bill also establishes working groups on (1) fraud and waste (§ 1) and (2) results-based accountability (§ 15).
Additionally, it requires state agencies to notify certain persons about changes in the law (§ 14).
It also generally requires that the Appropriations and Government Oversight committees hold joint hearings on Auditors of Public Accounts (APA) reports with certain financial implications (§ 16).
The bill also makes technical and conforming changes.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
October 1, 2026, except the provisions on the working group concerning fraud and waste are effective upon passage and the Results-Based Accountability Working Group provisions are effective July 1, 2026.
sSB324 / File No.
350 27 sSB324 File No.
350 §§ 2-13 — OFFICE OF GOVERNMENT OVERSIGHT AND EFFICIENCY OGOE Executive Director Appointment (§ 2) Under the bill, OGOE is managed by an executive director.
The bill requires a committee of legislative leaders (House speaker, Senate president pro tempore, and the minority leaders) and the chairs and ranking members of the Government Administration and Elections (GAE) Committee to choose three candidates to potentially serve in this role.
The legislative leaders must then (1) choose a candidate within 90 days of receiving the names and (2) submit him or her for confirmation by the Senate or House under the procedures outlined in state law.
If the leaders fail to appoint someone by the deadline, the leaders and the GAE chairs and ranking members must choose a candidate by majority vote to submit for confirmation.
The director must be appointed based on integrity and demonstrated competence in the appropriate fields.
If confirmed, the director serves a five-year term or until a successor is appointed in the same manner outlined above.
The legislative leaders may remove the director for cause, including for material neglect of duty, gross misconduct, or a felony conviction.
Executive Director Authority (§ 3) The bill allows the executive director to adopt regulations to implement the bill’s requirements for OGOE and employ any necessary staff, within available appropriations.
He or she must also coordinate efforts,withinavailableappropriations, betweenOGOEandotherswith similar duties and internal auditing functions at governmental agencies.
This coordination may include continuous professional development, adopting guidelines and procedures, and organizing a communication network.
The bill specifies that internal auditors and support staff within agencies, although still assigned to their agencies, must have their internal audit program approved by the OGOE director.
sSB324 / File No.
350 28 sSB324 File No.
350 Executive Director Duties (§§ 4 & 5) Under the bill, the executive director must:
1.
conduct preemptive inspections, inquiries, and investigations regarding programs and operations that involve (a) collecting, administering, or expending state funds (particularly for contracts, pensions, state benefits, and legal settlements);
(b) the use and disposition of state-owned and -leased property;
or (c) state agency management practices and legal compliance;
2.
have access to all records, data, and material maintained by or available to (a) any governmental agency or (b) any person or organization involved in state employee management, or the funds or property described above (such as a contractor);
and 3.
report annually on OGOE’s activities to the governor and Appropriations and GAE committees starting by October 31, (and the director may make additional reports as appropriate).
The executive director may:
1.
make recommendations to the governor and the legislature on the prevention and detection of fraud, waste, and abuse by governmental and non-governmental entities;
2.
assist or request assistance from any governmental agency, state employee, or contractor collecting or expending state funds or controlling state-owned or -leased property;
and 3.
apply to Superior Court for subpoenas for witnesses and records.
The subpoenaed witnesses or records must be necessary in order to obtain information that is otherwise unavailable and is needed for the directortocarryouthisorherduties.Beforethecourtissuesasubpoena, it must provide an opportunity to hear the executive director and the affected party.
The subpoenamay not beissuedunlessthecourt certifies that the (1) targeted witness is or documents are reasonably necessary sSB324 / File No.
350 29 sSB324 File No.
350 for the executive director to carry out his or her duties and (2) director made reasonable efforts to get the information before requesting the subpoena.
The director must also report findings of fact and recommendations to certain entities, as shown in the table below, if the executive director has certain reasonable beliefs.
Table:
Required Reporting by OGOE Executive Director Person or Entity Receiving Report Reasonable Belief Under the Bill Chief state’s attorney or Office of StState law has been or is being violated Ethics (OSE) Attorney general (AG) Civil recovery proceedings are appropriate U.S.
attorney Federal law has been or is being violated or civil recovery proceedings are appropriate FOIA Exemption (§ 5) Under the bill, all OGOE records relating to an actual or potential inspection, inquiry, or investigation are generally deemed confidential and not public records under the state’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
The records generally become public (1) if the inspection, inquiry, or investigation is concluded and all criminal and civil actions are resolved;
(2) as the executive director deems appropriate;
or (3) two years after the office receives or creates the record.
If state law requires the record to be confidential, the requirements and penalties that apply to its original holder apply to OGOE and its executive director in the same manner and extent.
Additionally, records are not deemed confidential solely because they have been sent to the director.
Governmental Reporting to OGOE (§§ 6-10) By law, certain governmental entities may, or are required to, report certaininformationto certainauditing andenforcement entities.Thebill addstheOGOEexecutive director to severalofthese existing provisions as an entity receiving information, including information from:
1.
OSEonpossibleviolationsofthestate’sethics lawsorregulations sSB324 / File No.
350 30 sSB324 File No.
350 (§ 6);
2.
the APA concerning the unauthorized, illegal, irregular, or unsafe handling or expenditure of governmental agency fundsor any breakdown in the safekeeping of any governmental resources (§ 8);
and 3.
trustees of state institutions, state department heads, boards, commissions, and other governmental agencies reporting certain data breaches or the mishandling of funds or any breakdowns described above (§ 9).
Relatedly,statelawalsooutlinesproceduresforrevokingor reducing public officials’ or state or municipal employees’ pension if they are convicted of certain crimes related to their public office.
By law, their pension may not be reduced or revoked if the court or AG determines that the defendant voluntarily provided information to certain entities about crimes committed by other officials or employees to a greater extent than their own involvement (but before being aware of any criminal investigations).
The bill adds OGOE to this list of entities (§ 7).
ThebillalsorequiresOGOE,insteadoftheAPAasundercurrentlaw, to assist foundations (generally nonprofits supporting or improving stateagencies)indevelopingawrittenpolicy on(1)investigatingcertain misconduct, (2) prohibiting whistleblower retaliation, (3) penalties for false reporting, and (4) providing the policy to its employees (§ 10).
Public Reporting to OGOE (§ 11) Under current law, any person having knowledge of corruption or certain other misconduct involving state agencies, large state contracts, or economic development funds may report this information to the APA.
The bill instead allows these reports to be brought both to OGOE and the APA.
Current law establishes certain procedures for the APA to report, review, and act on this information in collaboration with the AG.
The bill instead authorizes the OGOE executive director to do these actions sSB324 / File No.
350 31 sSB324 File No.
350 with the AG.
It also authorizes the director, instead of the APA, to reject these complaints and report to the AG the reason for the rejection, or refer these complaints to the appropriate state agencies.
Relatedly, the bill requires the director, instead of the APA, to annually report to the legislature on these complaints.
Additionally, the law currently allows the revenue services commissioner to disclose tax returns and tax return information to the APA for completing reports to the AG if requested in writing.
The bill instead allows OGOE to request this information on OGOE’s or the APA’s behalf.
The bill otherwise generally incorporates the director into existing law’s whistleblower framework as already authorized for the APA (§ 11).
False Claims Act (§§ 12 & 13) Relatedly, state law authorizes whistleblowers to receive monetary awards as part of a false claims action, with the award being lower if the court determines that the case was primarily based on information from othersources(suchascertaingovernmentreports).The billexpandsthis to include information provided to OGOE as part of its reports, hearings, audits, or investigations.
As under existing law for certain governmental public reports, hearings, audits, or investigations, the bill also generally authorizes the court to dismiss false claims act cases if they substantially repeat information already published by OGOE.
§ 1 — FRAUD AND WASTE WORKING GROUP Purpose The bill requires the group to study and recommend legislation on preventing the waste of taxpayer dollars by establishing partnerships between state agencies and private providers for improving service delivery, reducing service costs, and fostering investigations to uncover fraud and waste (for example, in employee contracts, payments to employees, and pension benefits).
Membership sSB324 / File No.
350 32 sSB324 File No.
350 The group’s membership consists of the following state officials:
the Department of Administrative Services commissioner, Office of Policy and Management (OPM) secretary, and AG, or their designees.
It also includes eight appointed members chosen by the legislative leaders as described in the table below.
Table:
Working Group Appointed Members Appointing Authority Requirements House speaker (two) One must have expertise in fraud detection and the other in state agency contracts Senate president pro tempore One of the two must be a state employee collective (two) bargaining unit representative House majority leader None Senate majority leader None House minority leader None Senate minority leader None Appointing authorities must make their initial appointments within days after the bill is enacted and fill any vacancy.
Appointed members may be legislators.
Leadership and Meetings Under the bill, the House speaker and Senate president pro tempore must select the chairpersons from among the group’s members.
The chairpersons must schedule and hold the first meeting with 60 days of the bill’s enactment.
The Government Oversight Committee’s administrative staff serve in this capacity for the group.
Report By December 31, 2026, the working group must submit its findings and recommendations to the Government Oversight Committee.
The working group ends when it submits its report or on December 31, 2026, whichever is later.
§ 14 — LAW CHANGE NOTIFICATIONS The bill requires all state agencies charged with implementing or enforcing acts or regulations to notify certain persons affected by a substantial change inthelaw withintheir jurisdiction due to thepassage sSB324 / File No.
350 33 sSB324 File No.
350 of a legislative act or the adoption of a regulation.
Within 30 days after the act’s passage or regulation’s adoption, the agency must (1) email each affected person they have an email address for and (2) post a copy of the notice on the agency’s website.
These requirements apply to all departments, boards, councils, commissions, institutions, and other executive branch agencies.
§ 15 — RESULTS-BASED ACCOUNTABILITY WORKING GROUP Membership The bill requires the group, which it establishes as part of the Legislative Department, to evaluate state agency programs.
The group’s membership consists of the OPM secretary, or his designee, and six appointed members chosen by the legislative leaders as described in the table below.
Table:
Working Group Appointed Members Appointing Authority Required Expertise House speaker State government Senate president pro tempore Finance House majority leader Accounting Senate majority leader Human services House minority leader Criminal justice Senate minority leader Public health Appointing authorities must make their initial appointments by September 1, 2026, and fill any vacancy.
Each initial term ends on August 31, 2029.
Vacancies occurring during a term must be filled for the rest of the unexpired term.
Appointed members may be legislators.
There is no term limit.
Members serve three-year terms starting on their appointment date and continue to serve until their successors are appointed.
They serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for necessary expenses, within available funds.
Leadership and Meetings Under the bill, the House speaker and Senate president pro tempore sSB324 / File No.
350 34 sSB324 File No.
350 must select the chairpersons from among the group’s members.
The chairpersons must schedule and hold the first meeting by September 1, 2026, and meet at least quarterly and as often as the chairs or a majority of the working group deem necessary.
A majority of the group’s members constitutes a quorum for conducting business.
The Government Oversight Committee’sadministrative staffserve in this capacity for the working group.
Power and Duties The working group’s powers and duties include:
1.
evaluating each state agency’s mission and programs, including their benefits and implementation;
2.
obtaining data and assistance from the APA and any executive department, board, commission, or other state agency;
3.
accepting gifts, donations, or bequests in order to carry out their duties;
4.
holding hearings and requiring department heads to attend and testify;
and 5.
any other acts necessary to accomplish its mission.
Reports Starting by January 1, 2027, the working group must annually submit any program evaluation results and its policy and legislative recommendations to the governor and the Appropriations and Government Oversight committees.
§ 16 — HEARINGS ON APA AUDITS WITH CERTAIN FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS Under current law, after the APA conducts an audit, the legislative committee with cognizance over the audited entity generally must hold a public hearing concerning the audit within 180 days of its submission to the legislature.
The bill requires these hearings to be held in sSB324 / File No.
350 35 sSB324 File No.
350 conjunction with the Government Oversight Committee instead of the GAE Committee.
The bill requires that for any audit report with adverse financial implications of $500,000 or more, the Appropriations and Government Oversight committees generally must hold a joint hearing and the OPM secretary, the auditors, and the state agency head must attend.
As under existing law, the committee chairpersons may choose to not hold a hearing on audits that contain no law violations or only minor and technical recommendations or if they determine it is not necessary.
BACKGROUND Related Bill SB 462, favorably reported by the GAE Committee, has substantially similar provisions as this bill on establishing a government oversight office.
COMMITTEE ACTION Government Oversight Committee Joint Favorable Substitute Yea 12 Nay 0 (03/17/2026) sSB324 / File No.
350 36
⬇ Download PDF
View plain text versions (3)

Action History

  1. FILE NO. 350

  2. SENATE CALENDAR NUMBER 236

  3. FAV. RPT., TAB. FOR CAL., SEN.

  4. RPTD. OUT OF LCO

  5. REFERRED TO Office of Legislative Research AND Office of Fiscal Analysis 04/01/26

  6. FILED WITH LCO

  7. Joint Favorable Substitute

  8. PUBLIC HEARING 0303

  9. REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Government Oversight

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

Export CSV (upgrade) →

3 sponsors · 0 co-sponsors · 184 not signed on

Sponsors (3)

Co-sponsors (0)

None.

Not signed on (184)

184 members have not signed on to this bill.

Show all 184 →

"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Subjects

public-safety civil-rights
Cross-referencing the record. Reading this bill against every other bill in the corpus by meaning, not keywords. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Matching · Ranking · Engrossing

Frequently asked questions

Who sponsors SB 324?
SB 324 is sponsored by Rob Sampson (Republican), Paul Cicarella (Republican), and Geraldo C. Reyes (Democratic).
What is the current status of SB 324?
This bill is in committee in the Senate. Introduced February 26, 2026. It must pass committee before a floor vote.
Where can I track SB 324?
Track SB 324 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.

Make your voice heard on SB 324

Find the representatives who decide this bill and tell them where you stand — for yourself, or mobilize your whole list in one click with One Click Politics advocacy software.

Find my representatives → Run a campaign

Stay ahead of SB 324

Last checked for changes 3 months ago · updated continuously

One Click Politics tracks every bill in Congress and all 50 states.

Track this bill →