Senator Melhoff, sponsor of Senate Bill 61, told the Senate the bill strengthens internal controls within state agencies and seeks to reduce fraud by defining agency-level internal-control officers and requiring annual reviews of internal controls. The chamber approved the bill in a roll-call vote, 32 yeas to 1 nay, with two excused.

Melhoff said the measure clarifies responsibilities in the Bureau of Finance and Management and requires internal-control officers in agencies to review procedures that separate duties (for example, preventing one person from both approving and issuing a voucher). The sponsor said the changes would give the Board of Internal Controls oversight and supervisory authority to ensure agencies comply with the required guidelines.

Senator Reid, who served on the summer government operations and audit committee, said the internal control board had good processes but needed stronger focus on membership and oversight to make sure control points are checked; he said the bill helps the board get the job done. Senator White asked for clarification on who would occupy the agency-level internal-control roles; Melhoff said agencies would appoint officers, likely staff with accounting or business experience, and agencies could share officers when appropriate.

During the roll call the presiding officer announced 32 yeas, 1 nay and 2 excused. The lone recorded nay on the vote was Senator Voigt. The bill was declared passed and its title deemed correct for enrollment.