Video & Transcript Research : 'Legislative Auditor'
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MN
Transcript Highlights:
- business legislation exempts business-to business legislation exempts business-to business transactions
- The R&D tax credit has been singled out by the legislative auditor as having unclear objectives and a
- Uh also uh if you look at the auditors<01:00:56.240>
state <01:00:56.559>auditors <01:00 - :57.119>
report <01:00:57.960>2024 auditors state auditors report 2024 auditors state auditors - <01:30:53.199>
are law and we feel that these auditors are law and we feel that these auditors
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- There are some studies within the State Auditor reports that do examine that aspect.
- Do you know whether or not the State Auditor looked and did a sunrise analysis on this yet?
- There are some studies within the State Auditor reports that do examine that aspect.
- Do you know whether or not the State Auditor looked and did a sunrise analysis on this yet?
- concurrent resolution for state auditor concurrent resolution for state auditor to<00:32:35.320>
Summary:
The committee opened its first hearing of the 2025 session with procedural instructions about testimony limits, Zoom participation, written testimony, and a reconvening date if needed. It then heard SB 200 on speedy trials. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing it could create conflicts of interest for prosecutors, potentially make victims or witnesses quasi-parties to criminal cases, force traumatizing testimony on continuance motions, and unfairly delay trials for in-custody defendants. A World Care representative supported the bill and urged broader protections for minors, disabled people, and seniors. The chair also pressed the public defender to suggest improvements, emphasizing that the bill was driven by victims and families. No vote or final action was taken on SB 200.
The committee next took up SB 8 on jury duty exemptions for health professionals. Testimony was strongly supportive from nurses, physicians, and disability advocates, who said APRNs and other nurses are in short supply and that jury service can disrupt patient care, especially in rural and neighbor island areas. One witness suggested expanding the exemption to include registered nurses as well as APRNs, while a senator raised concerns about blanket exemptions for non-practicing APRNs and suggested a time limit. The bill remained under discussion with no final action reported.
The committee then heard SB 144 on chiropractic, with the state chiropractic board offering comments and the Hawaii State Chiropractic Association supporting the measure as a way to address workforce shortages and provide students more hands-on clinical experience. A World Care witness also supported the bill after clarifying her remarks. The chair then moved to SB 107 on medical informed consent, where the Hawaii Medical Board opposed the bill and the Healthcare Association of Hawaii and Queen’s Health System offered comments, citing concerns about duplicative standards. A support witness proposed expanding the bill to better address combined mental and physical health conditions. Finally, SB 189 on breast cancer screening drew support from the Hawaii Medical Association, Hawaii Radiological Society, Queen’s Health Systems, and others, while the Insurance Division raised concerns about possible insurance mandate defrayment and the need for a sunrise analysis. Senators also asked about local demographic data and coverage impacts; the chair indicated decision-making would be deferred to another day.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
CPC Public Hearing- Thu Jan 30, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Consumer Protection & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- I am the chair of the Legislative Action Committee for CAI.
- I am the chair of the Legislative Action Committee for CAI.
- I'm here testifying as the chair of the Legislative Action Committee for CAI.
- It was developed by a joint executive legislative task force.
- It assesses whether its enactment is consistent with legislative policies.
Summary:
The committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce met on January 30, 2025, and heard testimony on several condominium-related bills, beginning with HB 70. HB 70 would require a budget summary disclosure for condominiums. Supporters, including Community Associations Institute, a real estate broker, and several condominium owners, said the bill would improve consumer protection by giving owners and buyers a clearer, more understandable snapshot of an association’s financial health and reserve compliance. One supporter noted the bill should help reduce confusion caused by lengthy reserve studies and emphasized the importance of accurate disclosure. A testifier also urged the committee to hear other condominium bills quickly, including measures related to an ombudsman, managing agents, parliamentarians, and attorney’s fees.
The committee then heard HB 106, which would change the process for condominium fines and disputes. Phil Nery of CAI and other supporters said the bill would strengthen due process by requiring clearer notice, allowing an internal board appeal, and then permitting small claims court review without attorney’s fees unless the fine is upheld. They argued this would prevent fines from escalating into costly legal disputes and provide a more linear, fair process. Some supporters suggested amendments, including clarifying that the statute controls over association documents and refining refund language. During questioning, members raised concerns about small claims limits and whether associations would be represented by volunteers or attorneys. One testifier initially in support later said he would not support the bill as written after hearing HPD’s concerns.
HB 224, relating to property rights, drew opposition from the Department of the Attorney General and the Honolulu Police Department. Both agencies said the bill would improperly push law enforcement into a quasi-judicial role and could short-circuit existing due process procedures for occupants of residences. A realtor who had initially been listed in support changed his position after hearing the opposition testimony. The committee also heard emotional testimony from a resident describing a long-running squatter and utility theft problem at a neighboring property, which he said took years of court action and police involvement to resolve. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the meeting reflected in the transcript.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 2/26/25
Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:03:23.879>
auditor <00:03:24.319>report <00:03:25.040>on legislative auditor - report on legislative auditor report on misclassification<00:03:27.200>
um <00:03:27.400>it - <00:03:34.040>
auditor in the office of legislative auditor in the office of legislative auditor - legislative auditor report um it legislative auditor report um it increased<00:03:53.000>
penalties - <00:47:47.359>
auditor <00:47:47.760>was the office of legislative auditor was the
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on State and Local Government - 03/17/26
State and Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- auditors recommended over legislative auditors recommended over time.<00:18:09.280>
covers <00 - For the record, Judy Randall, legislative auditor. Thanks for hearing this bill.
- <00:25:45.600>
auditor <00:25:46.960>um perhaps uh the legislative auditor um perhaps - <00:29:51.919>
auditor, <00:29:52.480>you office of the legislative auditor, you office - >
found in rules. the legislative auditor found in rules. the legislative auditor found that<00
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy Committee 11/19/25
Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Auditor.
- Auditor.
- The Office of the Legislative Auditor estimates that 22% of employers subject to an employment audit
- The Office of the Legislative Auditor estimates that 22% of employers subject to an employment audit
- Members, for the record, Judy Randall, legislative auditor. Excuse me.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- I sat down with the legislative auditor, the lottery. I think Jack's tired of hearing from me.
- If you go to page 5, you'll see a report from the legislative auditor that he did in 2023.
- In the legislative auditor report, you'd see that in this 30-year tolling, for the private company putting
- up about $65 million, $66 million, the legislative auditor estimates that... ...the legislative auditor
- What this legislation seeks...”
Bills:
HB165, HB175, HB198, HB272, HB457, HB488, HB566, HB603, HB763, HB902, HB909, HB971, HB981, HB1066, HB1125, HB1154, HB1231
Keywords:
HB165, lottery proceeds, Lottery Proceeds Fund, Veterans Service Grant Fund, constitutional amendment, veterans, military veterans, veterans' benefits, veterans services, family support, state lottery, education funding, Minimum Foundation Program, problem gambling, compulsive gaming, state treasurer, ballot proposition, constitutional referendum, lottery revenue, Louisiana resident veterans
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- The State Auditor has also identified ongoing structural pressures in recent years.
- The state auditor has also identified ongoing structural pressures in recent years.
- I don't feel I'm in a position to comment on what I believe the auditor might find or what the state
- Certainly, we've seen that come through legislation, and it's caused quite a bit of deliberation.
- Certainly, we've seen that come through legislation, and it's caused quite a bit of deliberation.
Summary:
The Senate Rules Committee first established a quorum and then approved several non-appearing gubernatorial appointments, including Rick Simpson to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing and Trinidad Solis, M.D. and Gerald Talbert, M.D. to the Medical Board of California. The committee also approved reference of bills to committees and floor acknowledgments, with all of those items receiving unanimous 5-0 votes.
The main public business was the confirmation hearing for George Cardona, reappointed as Chief Trial Counsel of the State Bar of California. Cardona described reforms made in response to the Girardi scandal, including stronger conflict-of-interest and gift rules, improved auditing and investigative procedures, efforts to reduce discipline disparities, and steps to address a growing backlog amid staffing vacancies and rising complaints. Senators questioned him about Girardi-related safeguards, backlog and funding pressures, discipline disparities affecting Black and Latino attorneys, unauthorized practice of law by notarios, and the State Bar’s use of AI; public witnesses from the State Bar, SEIU Local 1000, and others testified in support. The committee advanced Cardona’s appointment to the full Senate on a 3-1 vote, with Senator Jones withholding support.
The committee then heard Laura Enderton Speed’s confirmation as Executive Director of the State Bar. She emphasized fiscal stability, public trust, and operational improvements, and said the Bar is addressing the troubled February 2025 remote bar exam through audits, internal investigations, and a forthcoming recommendation to the Supreme Court on the exam’s future. Senators asked about the budget deficit, the bar exam failures, conflict-of-interest safeguards after Girardi, and how the Bar is preparing for future fee and staffing pressures. Supporters from the State Bar Board of Trustees, SEIU Local 1000, the California Defense Counsel, and a colleague testified in favor, and the committee approved her appointment to the full Senate on a 5-0 vote. The meeting concluded with thanks and a farewell to Senator Jones, who was leaving the committee, followed by a cake presentation and adjournment of the public portion.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy Committee 10/14/25
Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- The county auditor is then responsible for training and certifying municipal clerks on their election
- then<00:19:51.000>
responsible The county auditor is then responsible The county auditor - I mean, do we double-check the work of the county auditors? So, thank you. Mr.
- of the county auditors? So, thank you. of the county auditors? So, thank you.
- I'll also note, I guess going back to the 2018 Office of the Legislative Auditor report, as well as the
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy Committee 5/5/25
Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- heard from the office of legislative heard from the office of legislative auditor.<01:41:47.040>
- years with the Office of Legislative years with the Office of Legislative Auditor,<01:42:47.679>
- So with that, I believe I have a testifier from the Office of Legislative Auditor and also someone from
- testifier the office of legislative testifier the office of legislative auditor<01:45:29.679>
- For the record, my name is Judy Randall, legislative auditor.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Commission to Study Costs of Special Education (10/15/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- Is that legislated?
- Is that legislated?
- Can I just ask is that legislated? legislated? legislated?
- And auditors have their from an auditor.
- It's it's not it's only legislation. legislation. legislation.
Summary:
The commission to study special education costs under SB 57 met for its second meeting, with members introducing themselves and reviewing background materials on New Hampshire special education identification rates, NAEP results, and a Wall Street Journal article about the rise in autism diagnoses. The chair explained that the commission is examining special education aid formulas, including how New Hampshire’s current catastrophic aid threshold works and how changes to that threshold might affect school districts, but noted that the needed data on how many students would shift into the aid system at lower thresholds is not yet available.
The main testimony came from Henry Litman of HHS on Medicaid reimbursement in schools. He explained that school-based Medicaid funding is tied to health-related services, not all special education services, and that federal rules are changing in state fiscal year 2027. Under the new approach, schools will move away from an in-kind methodology to a certified public expenditure model that may also allow recovery of some overhead costs, such as support staff time. He said the state won a federal grant to help build the new system, hired a vendor, and is setting up training and a help center for districts.
Members asked about why Medicaid claims have declined and whether districts are leaving money on the table. Litman said claims are down about 25% from pre-pandemic levels, with declines tied to federal and state rule changes, documentation requirements, provider qualification rules, and the end of temporary pandemic flexibilities. He said some districts adapted better than others depending on local medical-provider access and administrative capacity. He also said the new federal legislation does not directly affect schools, while New Hampshire’s return to pre-pandemic eligibility rules has reduced enrollment somewhat. No votes were taken, and the discussion ended with agreement that the commission needs better data to determine how much special education spending is truly Medicaid-eligible and whether additional legislation is needed.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Local Government Committee Apr 29th, 2026
Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- I have with me today Matt Silverling with the State Association of County Auditors and Marcus DeVeux.
- Matthew Seiberling, on behalf of the State Association of County Auditors.
- It's always nice to align with the auditors on something, so that's great.
- Alameda County refuses to regulate itself, and this legislation is of their own making.
- And they did this without a bill or legislation being passed to require them to do it.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Local Government met to hear a long agenda of local government, housing, labor, and transparency bills. The committee first adopted the consent calendar for SB 1187 and SB 1388, then heard SB 983, which would authorize the Port of San Diego to use job order contracting for repairs and repetitive maintenance work. Supporters said the bill would speed emergency and small repairs and reduce costs, while opponents raised concerns about construction definitions and project labor agreement language. The bill was ultimately moved forward on a 2-2 vote after discussion of amendments and labor negotiations, and later the committee’s final roll call showed it passing out on a 5-2 vote.
The committee also heard SB 1256, aimed at limiting duplicative litigation over a San Diego County housing project, and SB 992, which would make permanent and expand a small special-district audit flexibility by raising the revenue threshold from $150,000 to $250,000. SB 1256 drew support from the author and project counsel, who argued the project had already been litigated and was delaying needed housing, while opponents said the bill would interfere with wildfire and subdivision-map review. SB 992 had support from county auditors and special districts, with no opposition, and was approved 5-0. SB 1115, addressing governance failures at the Tulare County Public Cemetery District by allowing county supervisors to remove an individual trustee for cause, also passed unanimously after testimony describing serious dysfunction and opposition from the California Special Districts Association.
The committee then took up SB 1193, which would impose transparency and approval requirements on Alameda County discretionary funding to nonprofits and other entities. The author and supporters described the bill as a response to grand jury findings and alleged conflicts of interest, while Alameda County argued its current process is already transparent and that the bill would add burdens and could harm services. After amendments and discussion, the bill passed 5-0. SB 1383, a density bonus law bill clarifying that local labor standards cannot be waived through density bonus concessions, was supported by labor groups and moved forward despite no opposition, with the final roll call showing it passing out 5-1. SB 1361, intended to prevent local governments from undermining transit projects because of SB 79 density concerns, also passed after support from L.A. Metro and labor and no formal opposition, with the final vote recorded as 5-2. The committee later resumed to hear SB 1272, the CASH Act, which would limit certain sanctions on homeowners for prior unpermitted work by previous owners; the transcript cuts off before that bill’s full testimony and vote.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Conference Committee on SF3045 5/13/25
Transcript Highlights:
- The House section 22 in this line provides that the Secretary of State and county auditor should provide
- <00:05:12.479>
state <00:05:12.639>and <00:05:12.880>county <00:05:13.120>auditor - <00:05:13.600>
should of state and county auditor should of state and county auditor should - 61, which allows municipal clerks additional time to receive and secure supplies from the county auditor
- And, Madam Chair, line 23 is a set of House-only sections that relate to legislative vacancies in the
Summary:
The State and Local Government and Elections Conference Committee met on May 13, 2025, to adopt agreed-upon provisions from the elections article. The chair noted they initially lacked a quorum on both sides, but later confirmed quorum was present. Members and staff walked through a grid of proposed sections, covering voter registration and student proof-of-residence rules, public voter information list deadlines, electronic rosters for combined polling places, absentee ballot procedures, candidate filing and ballot preparation notices, write-in candidate timelines, municipal boundary adjustments, emergency polling place signage, county election training, special election filing periods for legislative vacancies, school district election timing, voting system testing, town elections, hospital board elections, and repeal of the voting equipment grant account.
Several items were described as technical or clarifying changes, including wording fixes, consistency edits, and updated effective dates, with many provisions set to take effect January 1, 2026. One item, line 15, involving a cannabis-related provision, was set aside because an amendment had not been posted and printed in time; members agreed to take it up later. The committee also discussed a mix of House-only and Senate-only provisions, including third-party presidential electors, phonetic spelling on affidavits of candidacy, notification of ballot preparers when candidate names change, emergency polling place procedures, training requirements, and rules for temporary polling places on tribal land.
After the staff walkthrough and brief questions, Vice Chair Aldenorf moved to adopt the provisions in the document titled “Elections Provisions Proposed Sections for Adoptions, May 13, 2025,” excluding line 15, and include them in the conference committee report. The motion passed on a voice vote with no opposition recorded. The committee then adjourned, with members noting that work on remaining elections provisions could continue afterward.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- So we can, um, pursue that then as well. the legislative auditors um performance the<00:14:19.760>
- report be submitted to the legislative report be submitted to the legislative auditor<00:36:30.240
- And I appreciate it also going to the legislative auditor. That's a great idea. Okay.
- <00:37:01.520>
That's <00:37:01.680>a to the legislative auditor. - That's a to the legislative auditor. That's a great<00:37:02.000>
idea.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 13 (1-23-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- , Auditor Ball, is doing an audit that is not complete.
- We're seeing a lot of legislation filed this session, priority pieces of legislation to deal with what
- so appreciate this piece of legislation so appreciate this piece of legislation from<00:53:00.000
- And I'm so happy we're moving this legislation forward.
- we're moving this legislation forward. we're moving this legislation forward.
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then established a quorum with 34 members present and approved the prior day’s journal. The chamber also received a House message that House Bill 96 had passed and requested concurrence. During second reading, Senate Bills 17, 34, 39, and 181 were reported and sent to the Rules Committee, and Senate Resolution 56 was introduced honoring Elder Nathan Craig and Sister Amy Craig for their mission service.
The chamber then took up Senate Bill 27, which would allow local governing bodies, after consulting with a coroner and making a 30-day effort to locate next of kin, to choose cremation rather than burial for indigent decedents; it also preserved options for religious organizations to take possession of a body. A committee substitute was adopted, and the bill passed 35-0. Senate Bill 30, dealing with the Motor Vehicle Commission’s restricted fee account and allowing unused funds to carry forward for commission operations, also passed unanimously 35-0.
Senate Bill 40, concerning public library district boards of trustees, was amended by committee substitute and passed 34-1 after debate. Supporters said it would return county library board appointments to local officials and speed appointments, while opponents argued it could politicize libraries and weaken their independence; several members explained their votes, including concerns from library advocates and a defense that the bill still allowed local boards to seek advice. Senate Bill 76, which limits school boards from increasing occupational license taxes above the base 0.5% until a county reaches a population of 500,000, was also amended by committee substitute and passed after its sponsor argued it responded to a disputed Fayette County tax increase and would restore transparency and public trust.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Joint Legislative Performance Audit Oversight Committee (05/22/2026)
Transcript Highlights:
- , and then the Department of auditors, and then the Department of Education<00:27:43.400>
stepped< - Their problem was with the legislative branch asking an executive branch contractor for the data.
- Have any auditors been freed up so you'll actually be able to get those two audits going?
- We have two auditors that the Doorway program auditors.
- We have a senior manager and a staff performance auditor that are wrapping up Doorways.
Summary:
The committee received an update from the LBA on three audits related to education programs. Christine Young reported that the special education audit is in report-writing, with 44 of 81 observations completed, and that a draft is expected early in the third quarter with a final report later in the summer. She also said the doorway program audit has a draft report with 12 observations, auditee responses were received May 14, an exit conference was held May 18, and the report is now expected to be presented at the June fiscal committee meeting.
The bulk of the discussion focused on the education freedom accounts audit and a proposed expansion of scope. Beulah Skids explained that the original audit, required by the 2022 law creating the EFA program, would be expanded to examine whether students were New Hampshire residents at enrollment and throughout participation, and whether records of educational attainment satisfied program requirements. She described the current work, the draft cooperation agreement being developed with the Department of Education and the Children’s Scholarship Fund, and the department’s concerns about the audit period and the term "educational progress," which the LBA said it would revise. The committee discussed that the expanded work would depend on a written agreement giving the LBA access to needed records, policies, and staff, with the Department of Education potentially serving as an intermediary for data access.
Members raised concerns about the scope period and data access. Senator Lang asked that the residency review be limited to the 2024-25 and 2025-26 school years, rather than the broader 2022-25 period, because those years captured the major program expansions; the committee appeared to agree, with clarification that the reference was to school years, not fiscal years. Members also discussed reconciliation of EFA funds, noting that the department has agreed to reopen rulemaking to make reconciliation more frequent so unused funds can be returned to the state sooner. Several members expressed frustration that access to data had been delayed, while LBA staff said the cooperation agreement is intended to prevent further roadblocks and that the AG’s office could review it if needed.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- This was a recommendation that was made by the Office of Legislative Auditor in the report that they
- This was a recommendation that was made by the Office of Legislative Auditor in the report that they
- office of legislative Auditor in the uh office of legislative Auditor in the uh the<00:03:07.480
- <00:03:25.720>
auditor <00:03:26.280>report <00:03:27.280>uh of legislative - auditor report uh of legislative auditor report uh increased<00:03:28.080>
penalties <00:03:28.599
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 41 (3-6-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- of this 60-day legislative session, Mr. of this 60-day legislative session, Mr.
- To<01:00:19.400>
the <01:00:20.360>auditor. To the auditor. To the auditor. - The<01:00:21.800>
state The state The state auditor. auditor. auditor. - Thank you. try to make legislation better and try try to make legislation better and try to<01:01:37.400
- Uh, proud to be the primary co-sponsor of this piece of legislation.
Summary:
The Senate convened with an invocation and pledge, established a quorum, approved the prior journal, and received a message from the House announcing passage of House Bills 364, 534, 600, and 662 and requesting concurrence. The chamber then took up second-reading reports, placing several bills on the Rules Committee calendar, and briefly recessed for caucus meetings before returning to floor business.
The first major floor action was Senate Bill 11, a residential safe room rebate program aimed at rural tornado preparedness. Supporters described it as a way to use FEMA or private funds to help homeowners build personal storm shelters that could also serve neighbors; one senator opposed it over a fiscal note and concerns about unintended consequences in rural areas. The Senate adopted a committee substitute and passed SB 11 by a vote of 33–3.
The Senate then considered Senate Bill 8 on public utilities and PSC intervention procedures. A committee substitute and floor amendment were adopted to clarify intervention standards, limit delay tactics, allow written comments from non-intervenors, and revise transmission-line approval thresholds; supporters said the changes would improve PSC efficiency and protect ratepayers, while some senators objected to a provision moving records from the Energy and Environment Cabinet to the state auditor as politically motivated. SB 8 passed 30–5. Senate Bill 94, dealing with dealer compensation for warranty and recall work, was also amended and passed unanimously after supporters said it reflected agreement between auto dealers and manufacturers. Finally, Senate Bill 197 on economic development incentives was amended to create county tiers, expand incentives for distressed areas, allow cross-border projects near state lines, and correct clerical errors; it passed 36–0.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- <02:11:47.520>
to Why why didn't you ask the auditor to Why why didn't you ask the auditor - I provided my quote for the article, and I just want to thank the legislative auditor for providing the
- <02:20:15.920>
and to bring that up with the auditor and to bring that up with the auditor - <02:20:22.640>
was was the meeting where the auditor was was the meeting where the auditor - Yes, we disappointed you. legislators or or the board. I think legislators or or the board.
Summary:
The joint House Committee on Tourism and Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism held an informational briefing on the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s interim action plans, current projects, contract updates, destination management action plans, and state auditor findings. Interim CEO Caroline Anderson described her role as temporary and said she was focused on identifying problems, gathering information, communicating with stakeholders, and implementing solutions. She said HTA is now operating as a typical state agency subject to state controls, but noted that HTA’s work often involves nontraditional programs that can create process errors. She also said she had directed staff to review the auditor’s findings on the destination management action plan process and that the review was posted publicly.
A major topic was the search for a permanent CEO and the agency’s restructuring under SB 1571. HTA board chair Tata Po said he hoped to select a CEO within about four months, with three to six finalists expected in roughly two to two-and-a-half months, and said the job description would largely remain the same except for compensation and reporting changes under the new law. Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism representatives explained that HTA’s board is now advisory and does not approve the budget, while DBEDT retains budget authority. They also said HTA is working with the governor’s office and DBEDT on contract and budget transitions, including a possible shift to a calendar-year process so grantees and contractors have more certainty.
Members pressed HTA on staffing, oversight, and accountability, especially around the destination stewardship team and the CNHA/Kilohana and HVCB contracts. HTA said the destination stewardship team supports destination management and product development, including workforce development, sports, and implementation of destination management action plans, and that staff provide direction to contractors rather than simply handing work over to them. Anderson said the stewardship team had 11 people and that the destination management side covered about 15 contracts, while the branding side had three managers overseeing nine contracts. She said the agency had 47 contracts overall and that the major contracts included CNHA/Kilohana and HVCB. Several members criticized HTA’s management history, questioned staffing qualifications and compensation, and expressed concern that the agency had lost public trust. No votes or formal actions were taken during the briefing.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Appropriations and Finance Jan 13th, 2026 at 01:35 pm
House Appropriations & Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm with the Legislative Finance Committee.
- We will be discussing the Legislative Finance Committee and Executive Recommendations.
- Was a requirement for the state auditors.
- I think in the statute it asks the auditors to do a cursory review. But not an audit.
- and legislators had the opportunity to meet.