Mo. Rev. Stat. ch. 29

Mo. Rev. Stat. ch. 29
in effect

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 29.005 Definitions.

29.005. Definitions. — As used in this chapter, the following terms mean: (1) "Accounting system" , the total structure of records and procedures which discover, record, classify, and report information on the financial position and operating results of a governmental unit or any of its funds, balanced account groups, and organizational components; (2) "Audit" , an independent, objective assessment of the stewardship, performance, or cost of government policies, programs, or operations, depending upon the type and scope of the audit. All audits shall conform to the standards established by the comptroller general of the United States for audits of government entities, organizations, programs, activities, and functions as presented in the publication Government Auditing Standards; (3) "Federal agency" , any department, agency, or instrumentality of the federal government and any federally owned or controlled corporation; (4) "Financial audits" , audits providing an independent assessment of whether an entity's reported financial information is presented fairly in accordance with recognized criteria. Financial audits shall consist of the following: (a) Financial statement audits that shall: a. Provide or disclaim an opinion about whether an entity's financial statements are presented fairly in all material respects in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States or with another applicable financial reporting framework; or b. Report on internal control deficiencies and on compliance with provisions of laws, regulations, contracts, and grant agreements, as those controls and provisions relate to financial transactions, systems, and processes; or (b) Other financial audits of various scopes which may include, but not be limited to: a. Reporting on specified elements, accounts, or items of a financial statement; and b. Auditing compliance with requirements related to federal award expenditures and other governmental financial assistance in conjunction with a financial statement audit; (5) "Improper governmental activity" , includes official misconduct, fraud, misappropriation, mismanagement, waste of resources, or a violation of state or federal law, rule, or regulation; (6) "Internal control" , the plans, policies, methods, and procedures used to meet an entity's or organization's mission, goals, and objectives. Internal control shall include the processes and procedures for planning, organizing, directing, and controlling operations, as well as management's system for measuring, reporting, and monitoring performance; (7) "Performance audits" , audits that provide findings or conclusions based on an evaluation of sufficient, appropriate evidence against identified criteria. Performance audit objectives shall include, but not be limited to, the following: (a) Effectiveness and results. This objective may measure the extent to which an entity, organization, activity, program, or function is achieving its goals and objectives; (b) Economy and efficiency. This objective shall assess the costs and resources used to achieve results of an entity, organization, activity, program, or function; (c) Internal control. This objective shall assess one or more components of an entity's internal control system, which is designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving effective and efficient operations, reliable financial and performance reporting, or compliance with applicable legal requirements; and (d) Compliance. This objective shall assess compliance with criteria established by provisions of laws, regulations, contracts, and grant agreements or by other requirements that could affect the acquisition, protection, use, and disposition of an entity's resources and the quantity, quality, timeliness, and cost of services the entity produces and delivers; (8) "State agency" , any department, institution, board, commission, committee, division, bureau, officer, or official which shall include any institution of higher education, mental or specialty hospital, community college, or circuit court and divisions of the circuit court. (L. 2013 H.B. 116, A.L. 2024 H.B. 2111)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 29.010 Salary of auditor.

29.010. Salary of auditor. — The state auditor shall receive an annual salary in an amount equal to the salary of the secretary of state provided pursuant to section 28.010 , to be paid at the time and in the manner provided by law. Such salary shall constitute the total compensation for all duties to be performed by him and there shall be no further payments made to or accepted by him for the performance of any duty now required of him under any existing law. (L. 1943 p. 869 § 1, A. 1949 S.B. 1012, A.L. 1955 p. 573, A.L. 1967 p. 97, A.L. 1977 H.B. 520, A.L. 1984 S.B. 528) Effective 1-01-87 Revisor's Note: Salary adjustment index is printed, as required by § 105.005, in Appendix E.

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 29.015 State auditor, term of office, term begins, when.

29.015. State auditor, term of office, term begins, when. — The state auditor shall hold office for a term of four years beginning at 12:00 noon on the second Monday in January next after his or her election and until a successor is elected and qualified. (L. 1987 H.B. 456)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 29.020 Oath of office and bond - penalty.

29.020. Oath of office and bond — penalty. — The state auditor shall not have possession or control of his office until he has taken the oath of office prescribed by the constitution, and caused the same to be endorsed on his commission, nor until he shall give the official bond required in section 29.030 ; and if he shall attempt under color of law to do or perform any official act or duty before complying with the provisions of this section, he shall forfeit five thousand dollars for the use of the state, to be recovered before any court of competent jurisdiction, without power in anyone to remit such forfeiture. (RSMo 1939 § 13011, A.L. 1945 p. 584 § 1) Prior revisions: 1929 § 11389; 1919 § 13286; 1909 § 11798

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 29.030 Bond - approved and filed.

29.030. Bond — approved and filed. — Immediately after his election or appointment, the state auditor shall execute and deliver to the governor a bond to the state in the sum of fifty thousand dollars, to be approved by the governor, conditioned for the faithful performance of all the duties required or which may be required of him by law, whether as state auditor or in any capacity in which he may be required to act ex officio by virtue of being state auditor; which bond shall be renewed every two years, and as much oftener as the governor may require. The state auditor's bond shall be a surety bond and entered into with a surety company or companies authorized to do business in this state. The cost of said bonds shall be paid by the state. If the governor be in doubt as to the solvency of the surety company or companies on the bond of the state auditor, he may require further evidence of the solvency of such surety company or companies. After the legality of said bond shall have been passed upon by the attorney general it shall be submitted to the governor for his approval. If the governor approve the bond, he shall endorse thereon such approval and its date, and deliver the same to the secretary of state to be filed and recorded in his office. (RSMo 1939 § 13012, A.L. 1945 p. 584 § 2) Prior revisions: 1929 § 11390; 1919 § 13287; 1909 § 11799

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 29.040 Deputy state auditor - oath and appointment.

29.040. Deputy state auditor — oath and appointment. — The state auditor shall have the power to appoint a deputy state auditor who shall be thoroughly competent to perform all the duties prescribed by law to be performed by the state auditor. Such appointment, with the oath of office endorsed thereon, shall be filed in the office of the secretary of state before the deputy state auditor enters upon his duties. The deputy state auditor, when appointed, may perform the duties of the office, but the state auditor and his sureties on his official bond, shall be liable for the official acts, misfeasance or defalcation of the deputy state auditor. (RSMo 1939 § 13017, A.L. 1945 p. 584 § 5, A.L. 1961 p. 409) Prior revisions: 1929 § 11395; 1919 § 13292; 1909 § 11804

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 29.050 Surety company on bond responsible for acts of deputy state auditor.

29.050. Surety company on bond responsible for acts of deputy state auditor. — The surety company or companies on the state auditor's bond shall be held responsible for all acts of the state auditor and the deputy state auditor until his successor is elected or appointed, commissioned and qualified; provided, that if a new bond be given by the state auditor and the new bond is approved by the governor, then the sureties on the first bond shall only be held liable for all acts or omissions of the state auditor and the deputy state auditor occurring prior to the giving and approving of the new bond. (RSMo 1939 § 13018, A.L. 1945 p. 584 § 7, A.L. 1961 p. 409) Prior revisions: 1929 § 11396; 1919 § 13293; 1909 § 11805

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 29.060 Appointment of other employees.

29.060. Appointment of other employees. — The state auditor is authorized to appoint, and within the limits of his appropriation to fix the compensation of such auditors, accountants, supervisors, examiners, clerks and other employees as may be necessary in the performance of his duties under the law. (L. 1945 p. 584 § 6)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 29.070 Examiners - oath and bond.

29.070. Examiners — oath and bond. — Every examiner appointed by the state auditor shall, before entering upon the duties of his appointment, take and file in the office of the secretary of state an oath to support the constitution of the state, to faithfully demean himself in office, to make fair and impartial examinations, and that he will not accept as presents or emoluments any pay, directly or indirectly, for the discharge of any act in the line of his duty other than the remuneration fixed and accorded to him by law, and that he will not reveal the condition of any office examined by him or any information secured in the course of any examination of any office to anyone except the state auditor, and every examiner shall enter into a bond, payable to the state of Missouri, in the sum of ten thousand dollars, to be approved by the state auditor and deposited in the office of the state treasurer conditioned that he will faithfully perform his duties as such examiner, and in case any such examiner shall knowingly report any officer as being a defaulter or as not being a defaulter, and knowing the same to be otherwise, and any person be injured thereby, such person shall have a right of action on such bond for his injuries; such action shall be brought in the name of the state and at the relation of the injured party. (RSMo 1939 § 13101, A.L. 1945 p. 584 § 30) Prior revisions: 1929 § 11485; 1919 § 13309

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 29.080 Examiners - violation of oath - penalty.

29.080. Examiners — violation of oath — penalty. — For any violation of his oath of office or of any duty imposed upon him by this chapter, any examiner shall be guilty of a felony, and upon conviction shall be punished by imprisonment in the penitentiary for a term not exceeding five years, or by a fine not less than one hundred dollars or by imprisonment in the county jail for not less than one nor more than twelve months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. (RSMo 1939 § 13102, A.L. 1945 p. 584 § 31) Prior revisions: 1929 § 11486; 1919 § 13310

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 29.100 Rules and regulations - promulgation, procedure.

29.100. Rules and regulations — promulgation, procedure. — The state auditor shall make and promulgate reasonable rules and regulations for the administration and enforcement of his powers and duties pursuant to the provisions of this chapter and chapter 536 . No rule or portion of a rule promulgated under the authority of this chapter shall become effective unless it has been promulgated pursuant to the provisions of section 536.024 . (L. 1945 p. 584 § 34, A.L. 1993 S.B. 52, A.L. 1995 S.B. 3)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 29.110 Auditor may administer oath.

29.110. Auditor may administer oath. — The state auditor or such person or persons in his department as he may designate in writing shall have power to administer all oaths and affirmations required or allowed by law, in matters touching the duties of his office. (RSMo 1939 § 13068, A.L. 1945 p. 584 § 18) Prior revisions: 1929 § 11451; 1919 § 13357; 1909 § 11858

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 29.120 Seal.

29.120. Seal. — The state auditor shall keep a seal of office which shall be used to authenticate all writings, papers and documents certified from his office. (RSMo 1939 § 13019, A.L. 1945 p. 584 § 8) Prior revisions: 1929 § 11397; 1919 § 13294; 1909 § 11806

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 29.130 Free access to other offices.

29.130. Free access to other offices. — The state auditor shall have free access to all offices of this state for the inspection of such books, accounts and papers as concern any of his duties. (RSMo 1939 § 13057, A.L. 1945 p. 584 § 9) Prior revisions: 1929 § 11433; 1919 § 13339; 1909 § 11840

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 29.150 Records not to duplicate those of commissioner of administration - ...

29.150. Records not to duplicate those of commissioner of administration — retention and destruction, duties. — The state auditor is authorized to keep such records as may be necessary for the proper performance of his duties; provided, however, that he shall not keep any original records which duplicate the records kept by the commissioner of administration. He shall file, retain, store and destroy those records in accordance with the state and local records law. (L. 1945 p. 584 § 26, A.L. 1983 H.B. 713 Revision) CROSS REFERENCE: Records retention and destruction, duties, Chap. 109

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 29.170 To furnish forms for reports of county officers.

29.170. To furnish forms for reports of county officers. — The state auditor shall make out blank forms of returns and reports required by law to be made to his office by clerks of courts and other county officers, and transmit them with directions, if necessary, to the clerks and officers who shall make their returns and reports in conformity thereto. (RSMo 1939 § 13069, A.L. 1945 p. 584 § 19, A.L. 1961 p. 409) Prior revisions: 1929 § 11452; 1919 § 13358; 1909 § 11859

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 29.185 Conducting of audits, requirements.

29.185. Conducting of audits, requirements. — When conducting an audit under this chapter, the audit objectives as defined in the standards established by the comptroller general of the United States shall determine the type of audit to be conducted which may include financial and performance audits. Neither the audit type nor the audit objectives shall be mutually exclusive. An audit may include either financial or performance audit objectives or one or more objectives from both types of audits. A performance audit may include one primary objective, such as economy and efficiency, or a combination of objectives, such as internal control and compliance. (L. 2013 H.B. 116)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 29.190 To prescribe uniform method and plan of publishing the financial statements ...

29.190. To prescribe uniform method and plan of publishing the financial statements for counties. — The state auditor shall prescribe a uniform method and plan of publishing the county financial statement each year for the information of the public. Such statement or statements shall set forth the true financial condition of the county, the revenues and receipts, expenditures and disbursements for the year as compared with the budget for the year, the bonded debt and other liabilities at the close of the year, the total salaries, fees and all other emoluments received by all county officers, and such other information as shall be prescribed by the state auditor. The form of such statements shall follow the recognized governmental reporting practices. (RSMo 1939 § 13095, A.L. 1945 p. 584 § 24, A. 1949 S.B. 1012, A.L. 2013 H.B. 116) Prior revisions: 1929 § 11479; 1919 § 13303

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 29.200 Audits to be conducted at discretion of auditor or request of governor - ...

29.200. Audits to be conducted at discretion of auditor or request of governor — auditor's duties. — 1. Except as provided under subsection 2 of this section, all audits conducted under this chapter may be made at the discretion of the auditor without advance notice to the organization being audited. An audit also shall be conducted upon the request of the governor as provided under section 26.060 , and the expenses for any such audit conducted upon the request of the governor shall be paid as provided in section 26.090 . 2. The auditor, on his or her initiative and as often as he or she deems necessary, to the extent deemed practicable and consistent with the overall responsibility as contained in this chapter, shall make or cause to be made audits of all or any part of the activities of the state agencies. 3. The auditor shall make, or cause to be made, audits of all or any parts of political subdivisions and other entities as authorized in this chapter or any other law of this state. 4. In selecting audit areas and in evaluating current audit activity, the auditor may, at his or her discretion, consider and utilize, in whole or in part, the relevant audit coverage and applicable reports of the audit staffs of the various state agencies, independent contractors, and federal agencies. 5. The auditor shall be authorized to contract with federal audit agencies, or any governmental agency, on a cost-reimbursement basis, to perform audits of federal grant programs administered by the state departments and institutions in accordance with agreements negotiated between the auditor and the contracting federal audit agencies or any governmental agency. In instances where the grantee state agency shall subgrant such federal funds to local governments, regional councils of government, other local groups, or private or semiprivate institutions or agencies, the auditor shall have the authority to examine the books and records of these subgrantees to the extent necessary to determine eligibility and proper use in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations. The auditor shall charge and collect from the contracting federal audit agencies, or any governmental agencies, the actual cost of all the audits of the grants and programs that are conducted by the auditor under the contract. Amounts collected under these arrangements shall be deposited into the state treasury and be credited to the state auditor-federal fund and shall be available to hire sufficient personnel to perform these contracted audits and to pay for related travel, supplies, and other necessary expenses. 6. (1) In the auditor's reports of audits conducted under this chapter and reports of special investigations, the auditor shall make any comments, suggestions, or recommendations deemed appropriate concerning any aspect of the auditee's activities and operations. (2) If, in making any report under subdivision (1) of this subsection, the auditor fails to make any suggestions or recommendations for any practice deemed inadequate by the auditor, the auditee may request that the auditor make, and the auditor shall provide, suggestions or recommendations, to the extent allowed under governmental auditing standards, for how to remedy the inadequate practice. (3) The auditor shall make a summary of any report of an audit conducted under this chapter. Such summary shall contain a summary of the recommendations provided to the auditee, if any. 7. The auditor shall audit the state treasury at least once annually. 8. The auditor may examine the banking accounts and records of the state treasurer, state agency, or any political subdivision at any bank or financial institution provided that the bank or financial institution shall not be required to produce the requested accounts or records until the auditor, treasurer, state agency, or political subdivision reimburses the reasonable document production costs of the bank or financial institution. 9. The auditor may, as often as the auditor deems necessary, conduct a detailed review of the bookkeeping and accounting systems in use in the various state agencies that are supported partially or entirely by state funds. Such examinations shall be for the purpose of evaluating the adequacy of systems in use by such agencies. In instances where the auditor determines that existing systems are outmoded, inefficient, or otherwise inadequate, the auditor shall recommend changes to the state agency and notify the general assembly of the recommended changes. 10. The auditor shall, through appropriate tests, determine the propriety of the data presented in the state comprehensive annual financial report, and shall express the auditor's opinion in accordance with generally accepted government auditing standards. 11. The auditor shall provide a report to the governor, attorney general, and other appropriate officials of facts in the auditor's possession which pertain to the apparent violation of penal statutes or apparent instances of malfeasance, misfeasance, or nonfeasance by an officer or employee. 12. At the conclusion of an audit, the auditor or the auditor's designated representative shall supply a copy of a draft report of the audit to, and discuss such draft with, the official, or that official's designated representative, whose office is subject to audit. On any audit of a state agency or political subdivision of the state, the auditee shall provide responses to any recommendations contained in the draft report within thirty days from the receipt of the draft report. 13. The auditor shall notify the general assembly, the governor, the director of each agency audited, and other persons as the auditor deems appropriate that an audit report has been published, its subject and title, and the locations, including state libraries, at which the report is available. The auditor then shall distribute copies of the report only to those who request a report. The copies shall be available in written form or available on the official website of the auditor. The auditor may charge a reasonable fee for providing a written copy of an audit report. The auditor also shall file a copy of the audit report in the auditor's office; this copy shall be a permanent public record. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to authorize or permit the publication of information that is otherwise prohibited by law from being disclosed. 14. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to infringe upon or deprive the legislative, executive, or judicial branches of state government of any rights, powers, or duties vested in or imposed upon them by statute or the constitution of this state. 15. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed by the courts of this state in a manner inconsistent with Article II of the Constitution of Missouri. 16. The auditor shall be responsible for receiving reports of allegations of improper governmental activities as provided in section 29.221 . The auditor shall adopt policies and procedures necessary to provide for the investigation or referral of such allegations. 17. In accordance with the state's records retention schedule, the auditor shall maintain a complete file of all audit reports and reports of other examinations, investigations, surveys, and reviews issued under the auditor's authority. Audit workpapers and other evidence and related supportive material directly pertaining to the work of the auditor's office shall be retained according to an agreement between the auditor and the state archives. To promote intergovernmental cooperation and avoid unnecessary duplication of audit effort, pertinent workpapers and other supportive material related to issued audit reports may be, at the discretion of the auditor and unless otherwise prohibited by law, made available for inspection by duly authorized representatives of the state and federal government who desire access to, and inspection of, such records in connection with a matter officially before them, including criminal investigations. Except as provided in this section, audit workpapers and related supportive material shall be kept confidential, including any interpretations, advisory opinions, or other information or materials used and relied on in performing the audit. (RSMo 1939 §§ 13094, 13096, A.L. 1945 p. 584 §§ 20, 21, 25, A. 1949 S.B. 1012, A.L. 1961 p. 409, A.L. 2013 H.B. 116, A.L. 2019 S.B. 138) Prior revisions: 1929 §§ 11478, 11480; 1919 §§ 13302, 13304

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 29.205 Power to audit school districts.

29.205. Power to audit school districts. — Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the state auditor shall have the power to audit any school district or charter school within the state in the same manner as the auditor may audit any agency of the state. (L. 2008 S.B. 1066 § 1, A.L. 2012 S.B. 576)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 29.210 To audit state transportation department - expenses of, how paid.

29.210. To audit state transportation department — expenses of, how paid. — Whenever the state auditor conducts an audit of the state highways and transportation commission and the state transportation department, salaries of auditors, examiners, clerks, stenographers and other employees of the state auditor making such audit and all expenses incurred in making such audit shall be paid monthly by the state highways and transportation commission and the state transportation department out of moneys appropriated to the state highways and transportation commission and the state transportation department, when such payrolls and expense accounts for such purposes are certified to the state highways and transportation commission and the state transportation department by the state auditor. (L. 1949 p. 232 § 21a, A.L. 2013 H.B. 116)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 29.216 Public employee retirement and health care systems, audit of, when.

29.216. Public employee retirement and health care systems, audit of, when. — The state auditor may make, or cause to be made, audits of any public employee retirement or public employee health care system operating within the state, which shall include but not be limited to a public employee retirement or public employee health care system established under sections 70.600 to 70.755 and chapters 50 , 56 , 103 , 104 , and 169 . (L. 2013 H.B. 116)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 29.221 Reports of improper governmental activities, auditor's duties.

29.221. Reports of improper governmental activities, auditor's duties. — 1. The auditor shall provide various means to receive reports of allegations of improper governmental activities, which shall include a telephone hotline, electronic mail, and internet access. The auditor shall periodically publicize the hotline telephone number, electronic mail address, internet website address, and any other means by which the auditor may receive reports of allegations of improper governmental activities. Individuals who make a report under this section may choose to remain anonymous until the individual affirmatively consents to having the individual's identity disclosed. 2. The auditor shall receive and initially review reports of allegations of improper governmental activities of state agencies, political subdivisions, or state or political subdivision officers or employees within the scope of authority set forth in this section, including misappropriation, mismanagement, waste of resources, fraud, or violations of state or federal law, rule or regulation. After conducting an initial review, the auditor may investigate those allegations the auditor deems to be credible. When the auditor believes that an allegation of improper governmental activity is outside the authority set forth in this section, the auditor shall refer the allegation to the appropriate state agency responsible for the enforcement or administration of the matter for investigation. When the auditor believes that an allegation of improper governmental activity involves matters set forth in this subsection, those matters shall be referred as follows: (1) Allegations of criminal misconduct to either the attorney general or the prosecuting attorney for the county where the alleged misconduct occurred; (2) Allegations of violations of sections 105.450 to 105.496 to the Missouri ethics commission; (3) Allegations of violations of chapter 115 to the appropriate election authority or the secretary of state. (L. 2013 H.B. 116)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 29.225 Audit of political subdivisions and governmental entities, when.

29.225. Audit of political subdivisions and governmental entities, when. — 1. The auditor or his or her authorized representatives may audit all or part of any political subdivision or other governmental entity: (1) If, after an investigation of the political subdivision or governmental entity under section 29.221 , or its officers or employees, the auditor believes an improper governmental activity has occurred; or (2) When requested by a prosecuting attorney, circuit attorney, or law enforcement agency as part of an investigation of an improper governmental activity. 2. The costs for all audits initiated under this section shall be paid out of the state auditor's budget. (L. 2024 H.B. 2111)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 29.230 State auditor to audit county offices, when - political subdivisions by ...

29.230. State auditor to audit county offices, when — political subdivisions by petition, requirements, costs — petition audit revolving trust fund created, administration — rescinding of signature, when. — 1. In every county which does not elect a county auditor, the state auditor shall audit, without cost to the county, at least once during the term for which any county officer is chosen, the accounts of the various county officers supported in whole or in part by public moneys. 2. The state auditor shall audit any political subdivision of the state, including counties having a county auditor, if requested to do so by a petition submitted by a person who resides or owns real property within the boundaries or area of service of the political subdivision and such petition is submitted to the state auditor within one year from requesting the petition from the state auditor and is signed by the requisite percent of the qualified voters of the political subdivision. The requisite percent of qualified voters to cause such an audit to be conducted shall be determined as follows: (1) If the number of qualified voters of the political subdivision determined on the basis of the votes cast in the last gubernatorial election held prior to the filing of the petition is less than one thousand, twenty-five percent of the qualified voters of the political subdivision determined on the basis of the registered voters eligible to vote at the last gubernatorial election held prior to the filing of the petition; (2) If the number of qualified voters of the political subdivision determined on the basis of the votes cast in the last gubernatorial election held prior to the filing of the petition is one thousand or more but less than five thousand, fifteen percent of the qualified voters of the political subdivision determined on the basis of the votes cast in the last gubernatorial election held prior to the filing of the petition, provided that the number of qualified voters signing such petition is not less than two hundred; (3) If the number of qualified voters of the political subdivision determined on the basis of the votes cast in the last gubernatorial election held prior to the filing of the petition is five thousand or more but less than fifty thousand, ten percent of the qualified voters of the political subdivision determined on the basis of the votes cast in the last gubernatorial election held prior to the filing of the petition, provided that the number of qualified voters signing such petition is not less than seven hundred fifty; (4) If the number of qualified voters of the political subdivision determined on the basis of the votes cast in the last gubernatorial election held prior to the filing of the petition is fifty thousand or more, five percent of the qualified voters of the political subdivision determined on the basis of the votes cast in the last gubernatorial election held prior to the filing of the petition, provided that the number of qualified voters signing such petition is not less than five thousand. 3. The political subdivision shall pay the actual cost of audit. The petition that requests an audit of a political subdivision shall state on its face the estimated cost of the audit and that it will be paid by the political subdivision being audited. The estimated cost of the audit shall be provided by the state auditor within sixty days of such request. The costs of the audit may be billed and paid on an interim basis with individual billing periods to be set at the state auditor's discretion. Moneys held by the state on behalf of a political subdivision may be used to offset unpaid billings for audit costs of the political subdivision. All moneys received by the state in payment of the costs of petition audits shall be deposited in the state treasury and credited to the "Petition Audit Revolving Trust Fund" which is hereby created with the state treasurer as custodian. The general assembly may appropriate additional moneys to the fund as it deems necessary. The state auditor shall administer the fund and approve all disbursements, upon appropriation, from the fund to apply to the costs of performing petition audits. The provisions of section 33.080 to the contrary notwithstanding, money in the fund shall not be transferred and placed to the credit of general revenue until the amount in the fund at the end of any biennium exceeds one million dollars. The amount in the fund which shall lapse is the amount which exceeds one million dollars. No political subdivision shall be audited by petition more than once in any three calendar or fiscal years. 4. Any person who allegedly signed or has signed the original petition may submit a sworn statement to the state auditor that the person did not sign such petition or that the person wishes to rescind such signature. Such statement shall be required to be made within ten days from submission of the petition to the state auditor. If such statement is timely filed, such signature shall be withdrawn and shall not count in the determination of the number of qualified voters necessary to compel an audit under subsection 2 of this section. (RSMo 1939 § 13094, A.L. 1945 p. 584 § 21, A. 1949 S.B. 1012, A.L. 1961 p. 409, A.L. 1981 H.B. 338 & 260, A.L. 1987 H.B. 281, A.L. 1999 H.B. 789, A.L. 2013 H.B. 116, A.L. 2015 S.B. 87)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 29.235 Authority of auditor and authorized agents - confidentiality of testimony ...

29.235. Authority of auditor and authorized agents — confidentiality of testimony and records. — 1. The auditor and the auditor's authorized agents are authorized to: (1) Examine all books, accounts, records, reports, or vouchers of any state agency or entity subject to audit, insofar as they are necessary to conduct an audit under this chapter, provided that the auditor complies with state and federal financial privacy requirements prior to accessing financial records including provisions presented in chapter 408 and provided that the auditor or other public entity reimburses the reasonable documentation and production costs relating to compliance with examination by the auditor or auditor's authorized agents that pertain to: (a) Amounts received under a grant or contract from the federal government or the state or its political subdivisions; (b) Amounts received, disbursed, or otherwise handled on behalf of the federal government or the state; (2) Examine and inspect all property, equipment, and facilities in the possession of any state agency, political subdivision, or quasi-governmental entity that were furnished or otherwise provided through grant, contract, or any other type of funding by the state of Missouri or the federal government; and (3) Review state tax returns, except such review shall be limited to matters of official business, and the auditor's report shall not violate the confidentiality provisions of tax laws. Notwithstanding confidentiality provisions of tax laws to the contrary, the auditor may use or disclose information related to overdue tax debts in support of the auditor's statutory mission. 2. All contracts or agreements entered into as a result of the award of a grant by state agencies or political subdivisions shall include, as a necessary part, a clause describing the auditor's access as provided under this section. 3. The auditor may obtain the services of certified public accountants, qualified management consultants, or other professional persons and experts as the auditor deems necessary or desirable to carry out the duties and functions assigned under this chapter. Unless otherwise authorized by law, no state agency shall enter into any contract for auditing services without consultation with, and the prior written approval of, the auditor. 4. (1) Insofar as necessary to conduct an audit under this chapter or an investigation under section 29.221 , the auditor or the auditor's authorized representatives shall have the power to subpoena witnesses, to take testimony under oath, to cause the deposition of witnesses residing within or without the state to be taken in a manner prescribed by law, and to assemble records and documents, by subpoena or otherwise. The subpoena power granted by this section shall be exercised only at the specific written direction of the auditor or the auditor's chief deputy. (2) If any person refuses to comply with a subpoena, the auditor shall seek to enforce the subpoena before a court of competent jurisdiction to require the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of books, papers, correspondence, memoranda, contracts, agreements, and other records. Such court may issue an order requiring such person to appear before the auditor or officers designated by the auditor to produce records or to give testimony relating to the matter under investigation or in question. Any failure to comply with such order of the court may be punished by such court as contempt. 5. Testimony and records obtained through the authority to subpoena under this section shall be subject to the same confidentiality and disclosure provisions provided under section 29.200 for audit workpapers and related supportive material. (RSMo 1939 §§ 13094, 13096, A.L. 1945 p. 584 §§ 20, 21, 25, A. 1949 S.B. 1012, A.L. 1961 p. 409, A.L. 1991 S.B. 395, A.L. 2013 H.B. 116, A.L. 2024 H.B. 2111) Prior revisions: 1929 §§ 11478, 11480; 1919 §§ 13302, 13304

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 29.240 Continuous audit of accounts in commissioner of administration's office.

29.240. Continuous audit of accounts in commissioner of administration's office. — The state auditor shall have free access to the office, books, accounts and papers of the commissioner of administration for the inspection thereof and may conduct a continuous audit of the books, accounts and papers. He may assign employees to conduct the continuous audit in the office of the commissioner of administration and the commissioner of administration shall afford the employees every reasonable facility. (L. 1945 p. 584 § 23, A.L. 1959 S.B. 5)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 29.250 False, misleading, or unfounded reports, penalty - failure to comply with ...

29.250. False, misleading, or unfounded reports, penalty — failure to comply with chapter, penalty — report of violations. — 1. Any person who willfully makes or causes to be made, to the state auditor or the auditor's designated representatives, any false, misleading, or unfounded report for the purpose of interfering with the performance of any audit, special review, or investigation, or to hinder or obstruct the auditor or the auditor's designated representatives in the performance of duties, shall be guilty of a class A misdemeanor. 2. Any person or entity affected by this chapter who shall refuse or fail to comply with the provisions of this chapter shall be deemed guilty of a class A misdemeanor. Refusing or failing to comply with the provisions of this chapter shall include but not be limited to any person or entity failing to submit their books, papers and concerns to the inspection of the state auditor, or any of the auditor's examiners, or if anyone connected with the official duties of the state, county, institution, or political subdivision of the state, shall refuse to submit to be examined upon oath. 3. The state auditor shall report any violation of subsection 1 or 2 of this section to the prosecuting attorney, who shall institute such action or proceedings against such person or entity as the prosecutor may deem proper. (RSMo 1939 § 13100, A.L. 1945 p. 584 § 29, A.L. 2013 H.B. 116) Prior revisions: 1929 § 11484; 1919 § 13308

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 29.260 Officers to have recourse to law.

29.260. Officers to have recourse to law. — The provisions of this chapter shall not preclude any officer or officers in charge of the offices and institutions mentioned in this chapter from having proper recourse in the courts of law in this state. (RSMo 1939 § 13104, A.L. 1945 p. 584 § 33, A.L. 2013 H.B. 116) Prior revisions: 1929 § 11488; 1919 § 13312

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 29.280 Vacancy - governor to fill.

29.280. Vacancy — governor to fill. — When a vacancy occurs in the office of state auditor the governor shall immediately appoint an auditor to fill such vacancy for the residue of the term in which the vacancy occurred, and until his successor is elected or appointed, commissioned and qualified. (RSMo 1939 § 13016, A.L. 1945 p. 584 § 4) Prior revisions: 1929 § 11394; 1919 § 13291; 1909 § 11803

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 29.351 Audit of state auditor's office, when - procedure - cost, how paid.

29.351. Audit of state auditor's office, when — procedure — cost, how paid. — 1. During the regular legislative session which convenes in an odd-numbered year, the general assembly shall, by concurrent resolution, employ an independent certified public accountant or certified public accounting firm to conduct an audit examination of the accounts, functions, programs, and management of the state auditor's office. The audit examination shall be made in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, including such reviews and inspections of books, records and other underlying data and documents as are necessary to enable the independent certified public accountant performing the audit to reach an informed opinion on the condition and performance of the accounts, functions, programs, and management of the state auditor's office. Upon completion of the audit, the independent certified public accountant shall make a written report of his findings and conclusions, and shall supply each member of the general assembly, the governor, and the state auditor with a copy of the report. The cost of the audit and report shall be paid out of the joint contingent fund of the general assembly. 2. The commissioner of administration shall bid these services, at the direction of the general assembly, pursuant to state purchasing laws. (L. 1989 H.B. 36 §§ 1, 2, A.L. 2013 H.B. 116) Transferred 2013; formerly 21.760

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 29.380 Solid waste management districts, authority to audit, when.

29.380. Solid waste management districts, authority to audit, when. — 1. The state auditor shall have the authority to audit solid waste management districts created under section 260.305 in the same manner as the auditor may audit any agency of the state. 2. Beginning August 28, 2015, the state auditor may conduct audits of solid waste management districts as he or she deems necessary. The state auditor may request reimbursement from the district for the costs of conducting the audit. If the auditor requests such reimbursement, the solid waste management district shall reimburse the auditor for the costs of conducting the audit and the moneys shall be deposited in the petition audit revolving trust fund created under section 29.230 . Such reimbursement shall be limited to two percent of the solid waste management district's annual monetary allocation. (L. 2012 H.B. 1251, A.L. 2015 H.B. 92 merged with S.B. 445)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 29.400 Transition funds and facilities for auditor.

29.400. Transition funds and facilities for auditor. — 1. In each year in which an auditor of this state is elected and when the auditor so elected is not the incumbent at the time of the election, funds and facilities for the auditor-elect to be used by him in preparing an orderly transition of administration shall be provided. 2. The legislature shall appropriate to the commissioner of administration, funds to be used only for the purpose of this transition and to be expended during the transition period but in no event shall the amount so appropriated exceed ten thousand dollars for any such transition and all funds not expended for this purpose during the transition period shall revert to general revenue. (L. 1977 H.B. 493 & 458)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 29.405 Auditor's transition period defined.

29.405. Auditor's transition period defined. — The transition period shall begin on the fifteenth day of November following the election of an auditor who is not an incumbent and shall end when that auditor-elect has taken the oath of office. (L. 1977 H.B. 493 & 458)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 29.410 Transition facilities to be provided for auditor.

29.410. Transition facilities to be provided for auditor. — 1. The commissioner of administration shall provide office space and equipment for the auditor-elect and his staff during the transition period. The facilities provided shall be located at the seat of government and shall be suitable for the purpose and capable of adequately housing the auditor-elect and his staff. 2. The commissioner of administration shall furnish the transition facility with adequate telephone service, office furniture and office machines including but not limited to typewriters, adding machines and duplicating equipment. 3. The transition period office space may be located in state-owned buildings or in leased property. All salaries, expenses, rentals and equipment purchase and repairs shall be made only from funds appropriated for the purpose of this transition * . (L. 1977 H.B. 493 & 458) *Word "transaction" appears in original rolls.
Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneChapter.aspx?chapter=29Fetched: 10/17/2026