Bill would provide greater flexibility for public audits

Certain audits currently required to be performed annually or biennially would be performed when the state auditor deems them necessary under a bill given first-round approval March 29.

Under LB337, introduced by Lincoln Sen. Tony Fulton, the following audits would be conducted when the auditor of public accounts determines them necessary:

• State Highway Commission;
• Nebraska Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Fund;
• aid given to Indians for law enforcement and jail operations;
• funds expended by the Motor Fuel Tax Enforcement and Collection Division;
• post audits of investment transactions for the Nebraska State Funds Investment Act; and
• money received from the sale of cigarette stamps and tax meter impressions.

Fulton said the change would allow the auditor greater flexibility in determining staffing needs and the timing of audits.

A Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee amendment, adopted 35-0, removed a provision requiring the plan years for the county and state employee retirement plans to span a fiscal year as opposed to a calendar year.

Lincoln Sen. Bill Avery said changing the retirement plan timelines would have been too costly.
Senators voted 36-0 to advance the bill to select file.