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Senate panel hears bill to tighten school audit deadlines, give state more enforcement power
Summary
Sponsors described House Bill 121 as a response to the Claremont financial crisis: it would require school districts to complete audits within one year of closing books, post audits on district websites, allow DRA‑ordered forensic audits, eliminate district‑elected auditors and permit withholding of state aid after delays and due process.
Representative Kristen Noble told the Senate Education Finance Committee that House Bill 121 was developed after the budget crisis in Claremont and aims to strengthen school financial oversight. “This bill requires that school district audits be completed no later than 1 year after the close of books,” she said, and added that a copy of the audit would be posted on the district website and reviewed at the next public meeting.
Noble said the bill would eliminate the current option for districts to elect an auditor and instead require auditors to be an independent firm or a public accountant licensed by the state. The bill would also authorize the Department of Revenue Administration to levy a fine of up to $500 per day if an audit is not completed and…
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