- Introduced -

SB 481 - This act enacts various accountability measures regarding the Department of Transportation.

COMMISSION MEMBERS PARTICIPATION IN POLITICAL ACTIVITIES (Section 226.033) - This act prohibits commission members from engaging in certain political activities such as campaigning or fundraising. Any commission member engaging in this activity is subject to removal by the Governor.

STAGGERING OF COMMISSION TERMS - This act staggers the terms of the commission members so that the terms of the members shall begin on December 1st in odd-numbered years provided that no more than two members's terms shall be scheduled to expire in the same year and that the 2 members are not from the same political party. Members shall serve until a successor is appointed and qualified. If a vacancy occurs due to death, resignation, or removal, the successor shall be appointed for only the remainder of the unexpired term.

OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL (Section 226.094) - This act establishes the independent Office of the Transportation Inspector General. The Inspector General shall be responsible for promoting accountability, integrity and efficiency of the Department of Transportation. The Inspector General shall be appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Inspector General is under the general supervision of the Governor. The Inspector General shall hold office for a term coinciding with the term of the appointing Governor.

The Inspector General is not subject to supervision of the commission or any other officer of the Department of Transportation. The Inspector General shall have the power to conduct investigations and audits relating to the operations of the department of transportation and other agencies which receive highway revenues. The Inspector general shall file a monthly report with the Joint Committee on Transportation Oversight. The report shall include the status of any investigation being conducted by the Inspector General, responses to inquiries made by members of the Joint Committee on Transportation Oversight, and any other matters the Joint Committee on Transportation oversight deems appropriate. The Inspector General will have the power to investigate and review any contract entered into between the department and other parties. The Inspector General shall also investigate citizen complaints or employee complaints regarding the operation of the Department. The inspector general is granted subpoena power. The office of the Governor shall funding and administrative support for the inspector general.

PERFORMANCE AUDIT (Section 226.145) - This act requires the Inspector General to conduct performance audit conducted. Requires review of the fiscal management of the Commission. The performance audit requires a review of the general financial operation and management of the Department of Transportation and will also explore expenditures, waste and overall spending habits of the department of transportation. The performance audit shall be conducted every three years.

STEPHEN WITTE