CCS SCS HB 789 -- AUDIT OF POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS

Under current law, in a political subdivision in which fewer
than 1,000 votes were cast for the office of Governor in the
last election, a petition to cause an audit of the political
subdivision by the State Auditor must be signed by 20% of the
number of voters who cast votes for the office of Governor in
the last election.  Under this bill, the percentage of
signatures required is increased to 25% and the base to which
the percentage is applied is changed to the number of registered
voters eligible to vote at the last gubernatorial election.

HB 789 -- AUDIT OF POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS (Berkstresser)

Under current law, a political subdivision may request an audit
by the State Auditor if the petition requesting the audit is
signed by 20% of the voters in a political subdivision where the
votes cast for the office of Governor in the last election held
prior to the filing of the petition is less than 1,000.  This
bill increases the percentage of required signatures to 25% of
the registered voters eligible to vote at the last gubernatorial
election.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds.

HB 789 -- AUDIT OF POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS

CO-SPONSORS:  Berkstresser, Bartelsmeyer

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass by consent" by the Committee
on Governmental Organization and Review by a vote of 10 to 0.

Under current law, a political subdivision may request an audit
by the State Auditor if the petition requesting the audit is
signed by 20% of the voters in a political subdivision where the
votes cast for the office of Governor in the last election held
prior to the filing of the petition is less than 1,000.  This
bill increases the percentage of required signatures to 25% of
the registered voters eligible to vote at the last gubernatorial
election.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that small groups of citizens are
forcing audits of cities every 3 years.  Small cities can't
afford the cost and are forced to cut back on necessary services.

Testifying for the bill were Representatives Berkstresser and
Bartelsmeyer.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Steve Bauer, Legislative Analyst

HB 789 -- Audit of a Political Subdivision

Co-Sponsors:  Berkstresser, Bartelsmeyer

Under current law, a political subdivision may request an audit
by the State Auditor if the petition requesting the audit is
signed by 20% of the voters in a political subdivision where the
votes cast for the office of Governor in the last election held
prior to the filing of the petition is less than 1,000.  This
bill increases the percentage of required signatures to 25% of
the registered voters eligible to vote at the last gubernatorial
election.