Enrolled Bill Summary

            Senate Bill 1016 amends Local Government Code provisions relating to required reports and audits covering activities of regional planning commissions, also known as councils of government (COGs). Previous law provided that if the governor questioned the appropriateness of a COG expenditure, the governor was to report the matter to the state auditor for review. The bill deletes that provision and establishes instead a procedure requiring the auditor to review every COG audit and report, with a right of access to any working papers and supporting documentation that the auditor finds necessary as part of the review. If the auditor identifies significant issues involving COG administration of operation, findings and recommendations must be reported to the legislative audit committee, the governor, and the COG. The governor and legislative audit committee may direct the COG to prepare a corrective action plan or other response to the findings and recommendations. The legislative audit committee may direct the auditor to perform an additional audit or additional investigative work.