Missouri Senate passes bill requiring broad state audit

JEFFERSON CITY | The state Senate has passed legislation requiring a comparative audit of Missouri's largest agencies in a search for cost-savings.

Under the plan, Auditor Tom Schweich would analyze five to 10 of the state's largest departments, based on the amount of money they receive. He would then submit a report by August 2013 highlighting the agencies' best practices, with recommendations on changes to state policies or laws that could result in a reduction of government spending.

Schweich requested the legislation requiring him to conduct the audit. He has said that it could cost about $300,000.

The Senate passed the legislation Thursday. It now goes to the House.

This story was originally published April 15, 2011 at 7:09 AM with the headline "Missouri Senate passes bill requiring broad state audit."