h_agr_2016a_2016-01-11t13:03:11z0 Hearing Summary

Date: 01/11/2016

01:05 PM -- SMART Act Audits



Monica Bowers, Deputy State Auditor, explained that the Office of the State Auditor (OSA) is a constitutionally created, independent government agency that was established to promote operational efficiency and to ensure accountability of government agencies. She also identified OSA activities including the preparation of performance audits for state agencies.



01:07 PM



Michelle Colin, Managing Legislative Auditor, discussed the Pet Animal Care Facilities Act Program Performance Audit, (Attachment A) and discussed the state's regulatory program for pet animal care facilities. The Pet Animal Care Facilities Act Program licenses and inspects facilities that care for pet animals, which includes breeders, boarders, shelters, groomers, and trainers. As of January 2015, the Program had 1,839 licensed facilities in its database. She also identified the audit's findings and recommendations. In part, the audit determined that as of January 2015, the Program had failed to conduct routine inspections within the prescribed timeframe at 357 of the 1,839 licensed facilities (19 percent). Of the 357 facilities, 143 were more than 12 months overdue for an inspection (40 percent). One facility had not received an inspection in 28 months. In part the audit recommended that the department improve oversight of the inspection process to ensure inspections are timely, effective, and in accordance with Pet Animal Care Facilities Act requirements. It should also strengthen Program effectiveness by using enforcement provisions to hold facility owners accountable for complying with Program requirements. Ms. Collin also responded to questions from the committee.



160111 AttachA SMART Act.pdf





01:15 PM



Greg Fugate, Managing Legislative Auditor, identified the contents of the Outstanding Audit Recommendations Report that is prepared annually by tho OSA and lists outstanding audit recommendations for state agencies. He also identified audit recommendations for the Department of Agriculture and Department of Natural Resources during the previous five years.



01:19 PM



Crystal Dorsey, Managing Legislative Auditor, identified outstanding audit recommendations for the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Natural Resources.



01:25 PM



The OSA staff responded to questions from the committee about the audit process and pending audits.