If passed, the bill could significantly affect federal budgeting and funding allocations. By rescinding unobligated COVID funding and reallocating it to the general fund for deficit reduction, HB1011 targets reducing the national deficit, which has been amplified by pandemic-related expenditures. The act promotes enhanced government accountability, particularly in how coronavirus aid was appropriated and whether it was fully utilized. Proponents of the bill argue that it is necessary to eliminate waste and ensure that taxpayer dollars are effectively managed.
Summary
House Bill 1011, known as the "Audit and Return It Act," mandates the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to audit all unobligated coronavirus-related funding. The bill requires the OMB to report on these funds within 30 days of enactment, which includes a range of federal funding acts associated with COVID-19, such as the CARES Act and the American Rescue Plan. The financial audit aims to account for any federal dollars that were not distributed and determine their status, ensuring transparency and accountability of the use of public funds during the pandemic.
Contention
However, there are concerns about the implications of this bill. Critics have raised issues about potential negative impacts on ongoing state and local pandemic recovery initiatives that rely on federal funds. They point out that rescinding unobligated amounts without addressing local needs could hamper recovery efforts. Additionally, there may be resistance from members who believe that the audit process could serve as a bureaucratic hurdle, delaying much-needed support to communities still facing challenges due to the pandemic.
Expands authrority of State Auditor on performance audits of school districts; requires State Auditor to issue report on school district audits from precious five years; requires appropriation of $1.5 million to Office of State Auditor annually for audits.
AN ACT to amend and reenact section 54-10-01, subsection 5 of section 54-10-14, and sections 54-10-22 and 54-10-27 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to audits conducted by the state auditor and charges for audits.
Requesting The Department Of Education's Internal Audit Office To Conduct Semiannual Performance And Management Audits Of The Department And Its Attached Agencies.