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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, First Regular Session
JLAC; attorney general's office; audit
Purpose
Requires the Joint Legislative Audit Committee (JLAC) to conduct a review of the Department of Law and the Attorney General's office (AG) at least every 10 years.
Background
JLAC is a statutory committee that consists of five members of the Senate who are appointed by the President of the Senate and five members of the House of Representative who are appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. JLAC must: 1) oversee all audit functions of the Legislature and state agencies; 2) require state agencies to comply with findings and directions of JLAC; and 3) perform all functions required by statute relating to the sunset review of state agencies. Upon request by JLAC, the Auditor General must perform special research requests, special audits and related assignments as designated by JLAC and conduct performance audits, special audits, and investigations of any state agency. At least every 10 years, JLAC must conduct a review of the Arizona Department of Education, the programs and commissions established by the Legislature within the Judiciary and the Arizona public universities (A.R.S. §§ 41-1279; 41-1279.03; and 41-2958).
The AG is elected by a statewide vote for four-year terms to serve as the chief legal officer of the state. The AG must have charge of and direct the Department of Law which is composed of the AG and the subdivisions of the Department of Law (Ariz. Const. art 5 § 1; A.R.S. §§ 41-192 and 41-193).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Requires JLAC, by July 1, 2027, and at least every 10 years, to conduct a review of the Department of Law and the AG's office, including the programs, activities and funds administered prescribed, regulated or overseen by the Department of Law or the AG.
2. Makes technical changes.
3. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Research
February 3, 2025
AN/DL/slp