Senators debated an amendment to reduce the State Auditor’s special-fund authority by $2 million to reimburse taxpayers after the auditor’s office expended $2 million for an out-of-state report that senators said was not authorized in the agency’s appropriation language.

During subcommittee discussion, senators said the auditor’s office had already paid the $2 million last fiscal year from special funds the agency escalated on its own authority. One senator said the auditor had requested a $1 million general-fund reduction while seeking an increase of about $1,047,000 in special-fund authority in the budget request, creating a confusing net posture in the packet.

A motion to reduce the auditor’s special-fund authority by $2,000,000 was offered on the floor. Supporters said the amendment would reimburse taxpayers for money they contend was spent without legislative authorization. Opponents, including the subcommittee chair, said the committee and legislative staff were continuing to seek a legislative solution and expressed concern about the timing and effects of the cut while the bill contains a reverse-repealer provision that would send the matter to conference if passed by the chamber.

The amendment went to a voice vote and the chair announced, "the noes have it." After debate concluded the auditor’s bill was advanced on a title-sufficient motion, as recorded in the hearing.

Why it matters: The exchange highlights oversight tensions about agency special-fund authority and transparency when agencies make escalations outside explicit line-item approvals. Senators said they will continue to pursue solutions, including potential statutory changes, but the immediate amendment to claw back funds failed in committee.