The Florida Senate

14.325  Council on State Agency Inspectors General.--

(1)  For purposes of this section:

(a)  "State agency" has the same meaning as defined in s. 20.055(1)(a).

(b)  "Council" means the Council on State Agency Inspectors General, which is a council as defined in s. 20.03

(2)  To enhance public trust in government and provide leadership in the promotion of accountability and integrity in state agencies, there is created the Council on State Inspectors General in the Office of Chief Inspector General within the Executive Office of the Governor.

(3)  The council shall consist of five members:

(a)  The Chief Inspector General, who shall serve as chair.

(b)  Four inspectors general from other state agencies, appointed by the Governor or his or her designee.

(4)  A member of the council may not delegate his or her membership to a designee.

(5)  A quorum shall consist of at least three members.

(6)  The council shall convene at least monthly for the purpose of developing recommendations relating to the creation of an independent review process for investigations and audits conducted by state agency inspectors general.

(7)  The review process developed and recommended by the council shall, at a minimum:

(a)  Offer entities contracting with state agencies and individuals substantially affected by the findings, conclusions, or recommendations a meaningful opportunity to challenge in writing the findings, conclusions, and recommendations contained in a state agency inspector general's final report.

(b)  Specifically identify the entities and individuals entitled to submit a response, and identify the circumstances under which the entity's response must be attached to the state agency inspector general's final report.

(c)  Provide a hearing process entitling entities contracting with state agencies and individuals substantially affected by the findings, conclusions, or recommendations with an opportunity to present to the Chief Inspector General any additional material relevant to the state agency inspector general's final report. The review process must permit the Chief Inspector General to independently investigate the state agency inspector general's report and the original investigation.

(d)  Identify ancillary issues to be addressed, including, but not limited to, public records concerns, special conditions for whistle-blower's investigations, and exemptions for specific categories of audits or investigations.

(8)  On or before January 1, 2007, the council shall issue a report to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives containing its recommendations and proposed state agency inspector general review process. The report may contain suggested statutory amendments, proposals for administrative rulemaking to be implemented pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54, and any other guidelines, procedures, and suggestions relevant to the creation of a state agency inspector general review process.

(9)  Administrative support for the council shall be provided by the Office of Chief Inspector General.

(10)  This section is repealed June 30, 2007.

History.--s. 1, ch. 2006-219.