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HB 2228

Requires an audit of all state departments every four years

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Louis Riggs

The bill establishes mandatory, cycle-based performance audits every four years for all state entities to assess economy and efficiency, with public posting and enforcement for non

Referred: Emerging Issues(H)
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Bill Summary · HB 2228

Overview

House Bill 2228 (2026) from the Missouri General Assembly would require the State Auditor to conduct performance audits focused on economy and efficiency every four years for all state departments, as well as the General Assembly, the judiciary, and executive-branch offices. The bill also sets reporting and enforcement provisions related to audit results and participation.

Purpose and intent

  • Establish a regular, cyclical performance-audit program to assess whether state entities are operating with optimal economy and efficiency.
  • Increase transparency by requiring public posting of audit results and dissemination to the General Assembly.
  • Create a mechanism to address non-participation in audits through court action.

Key provisions

  • Audit cycle and scope:
    • The State Auditor must perform performance audits for economy and efficiency at least once every four years.
    • Auditable entities include: all state departments, the General Assembly, the judiciary, and departments/offices under the executive branch (e.g., Office of Administration, the Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, State Auditor, and State Treasurer).
  • Posting and reporting:
    • Within 30 days after receiving audit results, the audited entity must post the results on its official website.
    • The State Auditor must submit the results of each audit to the Missouri General Assembly.
  • Enforcement and compliance:
    • If an entity fails to participate in the required audits, the Attorney General may bring a civil action (declaratory judgment and injunctive relief) in the Circuit Court of Cole County.
    • The entity under enforcement must retain its own legal counsel and cannot use the Attorney General’s legal services in such a suit.

Who would be affected

  • All state departments and agencies within the executive branch.
  • The General Assembly and the judiciary (including federal/state-like branches within Missouri’s government structure for this context).
  • Public-facing offices and officials listed in the bill (Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, State Auditor, State Treasurer, and related executive offices).

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Scheduling: Audit frequency is every four years for each entity listed.
  • Reporting timeline:
    • Post-audit results: within 30 days of receiving audit results.
    • Legislative reporting: State Auditor to deliver audit findings to the General Assembly.
  • Compliance remedy: Non-participation triggers a lawsuit by the Attorney General in Cole County; the entity must hire its own counsel.

Practical implications

  • Increased transparency: Public posting of audit findings on agency websites enhances visibility into state operations.
  • Accountability: Regular, independent performance audits aim to identify inefficiencies and opportunities for cost savings.
  • Resource considerations: Entities subject to audits may need to prepare for performance reviews and provide information to the State Auditor on a four-year cycle.
  • Legal risk for non-compliance: Agencies that refuse or fail to participate could face court action and potential injunctive relief.

Notes

  • The bill is modeled after prior similar proposals (HB 869, 2025 and HB 1822, 2024) and is sponsored by Rep. Riggs (co-sponsor: Louis Riggs).
  • Current status: Referred to Emerging Issues (H) on May 15, 2026; prior actions include passage through first and second reading earlier in 2026.

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

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