Bill would change salary‑survey benchmark for state auditor to reflect modern duties

Representative DeMaris told the committee House Bill 611 would correct a long‑standing mismatch between the constitutional office title "state auditor" and the modern duties of the elected official, who serves ex officio as commissioner of securities and insurance. The change would require the Department of Administration to survey salaries for the comparable office in surrounding states using the commissioner titles rather than the literal title "auditor."

Frank Cote, deputy insurance commissioner, testified that the change reflects history dating to the 1972 constitution and longstanding practice: "the official title of that office is the state auditor, but ... the job duties truly are being the commissioner of securities and insurance." He described why surveying like‑titled commissioners produces a more accurate comparison for salary setting.

Bonnie Shoemaker of the Department of Administration's state human resources division said she conducts the salary survey and supports the change because it will produce a more accurate match for the position.

Committee members asked whether the bill's title or punctuation could allow an early or unintended salary revision. Miss Harden, the committee's staff attorney, clarified that the bill title is descriptive only and the statutory changes — which the bill sets to take effect Jan. 1, 2028 — are what control implementation. Shoemaker confirmed she would not execute a survey before the statute's applicability date.

No opponents appeared. The hearing was closed after sponsor remarks and the committee received clarifying testimony from the Department of Administration.