A new legislative measure has significantly bolstered the Missouri State Auditor’s capacity to investigate and address instances of fraud, waste, and abuse within state and local governments. Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick shared with Missourinet that this new law is a critical tool for ensuring accountability within government operations.
“Our role is not to audit taxpayers directly but to scrutinize the operations of government entities,” Fitzpatrick explained. “Our responsibility is to ensure that state agencies and local governments across Missouri are upholding the law, managing taxpayer funds appropriately, and operating transparently.”
Under the new law, the auditor now possesses the authority to conduct audits of local government entities, either fully or partially, if there are indications of improper conduct or upon request from a prosecuting attorney, circuit attorney, or law enforcement agency involved in an investigation. Fitzpatrick highlighted that many instances of fraud occur in smaller governmental bodies where oversight mechanisms may be weaker.
“Previously, our authority allowed us to audit any state agency and counties without their own auditors. We could also examine school districts,” Fitzpatrick said. “However, our access to the smallest political subdivisions, and in some instances even larger ones, was limited.”
The recently enacted legislation, which grants subpoena power to the auditor during investigations, also includes protections for whistleblowers.
“If individuals suspect fraud within a local government, they can contact our whistleblower hotline,” Fitzpatrick stated. “We take such tips seriously and are now equipped to conduct thorough investigations. Before the enactment of House Bill 2111 and its signing by Governor Parson, we lacked the authority to issue subpoenas to uncooperative entities during our investigations.”
The bill, which received unanimous support from the Missouri Legislature this year, was sponsored by Senator Travis Fitzwater, R-Holts Summit. This legislative advancement is expected to enhance the auditor’s ability to tackle government corruption and improve oversight of public funds.