Requires that an independent forensic audit of the department of transportation be commissioned by the attorney general.

Plain-English Summary

This bill would require Rhode Island's Attorney General to commission an independent forensic audit of the state's Department of Transportation (RIDOT). A forensic audit is a detailed, in-depth financial examination specifically designed to look for potential fraud, waste, mismanagement, or other financial irregularities — going deeper than a standard financial review. Importantly, because the audit would be commissioned by the Attorney General rather than the agency itself, it would be conducted by an outside, independent party with no ties to RIDOT.

The bill would primarily affect the Department of Transportation and its financial operations, but it could ultimately benefit Rhode Island taxpayers who fund the agency. If the audit uncovers problems with how money has been spent or managed, that information would become available to the public and could lead to further investigations or changes in how the department operates. RIDOT handles billions of dollars in road, bridge, and infrastructure spending, so the scope of such an audit could be significant.

At this point, the bill has been introduced in the Rhode Island House and referred to the House State Government & Elections Committee, where it is scheduled for a hearing. It has not yet been passed into law. If it moves forward and is approved, the Attorney General's office would be responsible for selecting and overseeing the independent auditors and managing the process.