A bill limiting the state auditor’s access to certain information heads to Governor Kim Reynolds’ desk this week, despite concerns from Democrats and auditing groups that the measure will hamper investigations of waste and fraud and put federal funding at risk.
The bill limits the state auditor’s ability to access personal information when performing investigations. It was amended by the Iowa House to address problems raised with the original language that lawmakers acknowledged could have put billions in federal funds at risk. But Democratic state auditor Rob Sand said the amended bill still would put that funding at risk by making changes to the state auditor’s subpoena power, directing disputes between government offices and agencies to a board of arbitration rather than a court.
Audited agencies could refuse to disclose requested information and the three-member arbitration board — two members appointed by the parties involved in the dispute and a third member appointed by the governor — would issue a final decision.