Novel concept: Georgia House passes bill to keep tabs on spending

ATLANTA — The Georgia House has passed a bill that would create a new Georgia House committee to keep closer tabs on how state dollars are planned, spent and accounted for.

House Bill 1178 would establish the Budget and Fiscal Affairs Oversight Committee, a 19-member panel appointed by the speaker. Under the proposal, the committee would review and evaluate strategic plans and budget information tied to the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget, including reports identifying money received by the state and its agencies.

The bill would also require an annual report to the General Assembly and the governor summarizing the committee’s work and findings. The committee would be authorized to request performance audits of any entity receiving state funds and could call elected officials, state employees, county managers and school superintendents to address issues raised in committee findings.

In a release, state Rep. Mitchell Horner, R-Ringgold, said the goal is to strengthen accountability and ensure taxpayer funds are spent responsibly. The bill has been sent to the Georgia Senate for consideration.