1 bill · 2016 Regular Session
Adds to existing law to establish the Office of the Inspector General.
Inspectors General are used by various levels of government to serve as a mechanism to investigate concerns about fraud, waste, abuse or malfeasance prior to public court action. Here in Idaho, public employees and citizens have limited options for raising such concerns. They can be made to a supervisor (who may be part of the concern) or to a county prosecutor or to law enforcement, if criminal behavior is suspected. Idaho's recent history shows that having an entity to do an initial investigation could save the state time, money and help produce a better "product" for our citizens. This bill establishes an Office of the Inspector General. Appointed by the Board of Examiners, the Inspector General serves a 6-year term and requires Senate confirmation. He/she may be removed only with Senate concurrence. TheOfficeoftheInspectorGeneralwillnotdoprosecution,butmayrefercasestolawenforcement. It is envisioned as a receiver of complaints and concerns. This would assure citizens that their voices are heard and provide a path for agencies to identify issues and begin corrective action as soon as possible.