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SB 3327

AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bob Britto and 7 co-sponsors

Establishes an independent Rhode Island Office of Inspector General to detect and curb fraud, waste, and mismanagement in executive agencies and protect public funds.

06/11/2026 Senate passed Sub A
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Bill Summary · SB 3327

Overview

  • Bill: SB 3327
  • Session: 2026 (Rhode Island)
  • Topic: Establishment of the Office of Inspector General (OIG) within State Government
  • Purpose: Create an independent, nonpartisan office to investigate fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement of public funds in executive branch agencies and to promote accountability and efficiency in government operations.

main purpose and intent

  • Establish an independent OIG to detect and deter misuse of public funds and resources.
  • Complement existing authorities (Attorney General, auditor general, ethics commission, etc.) without replacing or conflicting with them.
  • Ensure ongoing evaluation, education, and corrective action within state agencies to protect the public interest.

Key provisions and changes

  • Creation and scope

    • Establishes Chapter 42-9.4 (Office of Inspector General) within Title 42 (State Affairs and Government).
    • OIG jurisdiction covers executive branch agencies, officers, employees, and contractors; does not apply to legislative or judicial branches.

  • Leadership and staffing

    • The Governor appoints the Inspector General (IG) with Senate advice and consent.
    • IG leads an independent office and may hire staff, appoint a deputy, and contract for specialized services (e.g., legal counsel, experts).
    • Investigative staff must become certified by the Association of Inspectors General within three years in at least one field (Investigation, Auditing, or Evaluation).

  • Qualifications and tenure

    • Candidates for IG must have:
    • Bachelor’s degree or higher in relevant fields (criminal justice, public administration, accounting, etc.).
    • At least 10 years of professional experience in relevant areas.
    • A professional certification from the Association of Inspectors General (e.g., Certified Inspector General or Certified Inspector General Investigator).
    • Demonstrated commitment to public service and disclosure of relevant professional opinions or actions.
    • IG term: 5 years, eligible for one additional 5-year term (maximum of two terms, total 10 years).
    • Restrictions:
    • IG cannot run for other public office or be involved in political campaigns during tenure.
    • Eligibility prohibition for certain leaders (e.g., former legislators or high-level executive officials) for one year after leaving their prior role.
    • Removal for cause by the Governor is possible.

  • Advisory commission

    • A five-member independent advisory commission oversees appointments:
    • Attorney General
    • General Treasurer
    • Secretary of State
    • Executive Director of the Ethics Commission
    • President (or designee) of the Association of Inspectors General
    • Commission creates the selection process and submits three qualified candidates to the Governor within 90 days of enactment; Governor then submits one to the Senate for advice and consent.

  • Powers and duties

    • Investigate management and operation of agencies for fraud, waste, abuse, mismanagement, or other abuses of public resources.
    • Investigate whistleblower retaliation; report suspected misconduct to Governor and other appropriate authorities.
    • Conduct special investigations and management reviews at Governor’s request.
    • Establish complaint procedures, determine disciplinary or investigative actions, and remediate to prevent recurrence.
    • Educate agencies on fraud prevention; evaluate policies; propose remedial actions.
    • Serve as a liaison to promote accountability and efficiency; maintain a toll-free number, website, and contact methods for complaints.
    • Coordinate with Attorney General, auditors, ethics commission, and other bodies; may contract for audits or specialists.
    • Accept investigations from municipalities upon a city/town resolution (with full applicability of the OIG framework to municipal-related matters).

  • Investigative procedures

    • Accept complaints from individuals or entities; confidentiality protections apply unless disclosure is necessary for investigation.
    • Certain employee complaints related to employment relationship may be excluded unless related to mismanagement affecting public resources.
    • IG may decline to investigate; must provide rationale.
    • Referral options: Attorney General, local/state/federal law enforcement, Auditor General, Ethics Commission.
    • No fee for submitting or investigating complaints.
    • IG must remain neutral and adhere to professional standards (including Association of Inspectors General guidelines and peer-review participation).

  • Conclusions, reporting, and actions

    • After investigations, IG issues a report and a merits-based decision, with public disclosure unless restricted by pending investigations or exemptions.
    • Agencies may comment within 60 days; public decision and responses are shared.
    • IG may recommend actions (e.g., further investigation, policy changes, remedial actions) and publish the decision.
    • If fraud is found and civil recovery may be appropriate, referrals to AG or continued action by IG with AG authorization.
    • Public release of decisions must exclude confidential information.

  • Access to records

    • Agencies must cooperate; IG has broad access to records and may interview personnel.
    • Inspectors may copy relevant records while safeguarding confidentiality; violations may carry penalties.

  • Legal authorities and procedures

    • IG has authority to administer oaths, issue subpoenas, and pursue court-ordered compliance if necessary.
    • Subpoenas served by authorized individuals; penalties for noncompliance.

  • Reporting and budget

    • Annual reporting requirement: by April 1 each year summarizing prior year activities; available to the public.
    • Reports cover investigations, corrective actions, status of prior recommendations, referrals to prosecutors, and audit reports.
    • IG must comply with state budget procedures.

  • Confidentiality and whistleblower protections

    • Confidentiality of investigative records; whistleblower protections aligned with existing Rhode Island protections.
    • Redaction allowed to protect identities when releasing reports.

  • Effective date

    • Takes effect upon passage.

Who is affected

  • State agencies within the executive branch (and their officials, employees, and contractors) become subject to IG investigations.
  • Municipalities may request IG investigations on state or municipal funds.
  • The IG and their staff, including deputies and contractors, will operate under the new framework.
  • Other state oversight bodies (Attorney General, Auditor General, Ethics Commission, etc.) continue to exist and coordinate with the IG.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Appointment process:
    • Advisory commission to compile a 3-candidate list within 90 days of enactment.
    • Governor to nominate one candidate within 90 days of receiving the list.
    • Senate advice and consent required for appointment.
  • Term limits:
    • IG serves 5-year terms, eligible for one additional 5-year term; maximum of two terms.
  • Certification:
    • Investigative staff must attain certification within 3 years of hiring in one of three fields.
  • Reporting cadence:
    • Annual reports due by April 1; interim reports allowed.
  • Confidentiality and public disclosures follow state public records laws, with exceptions for ongoing investigations.

This bill would create a comprehensive, independent inspector general office to strengthen accountability for state government operations and protect public funds, with structured appointment, powers, and reporting mechanisms to ensure effective oversight.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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