Bill Description

AN ACT relating to the administration of the government; requiring that the state auditor provide the public with information on payments made to vendors as specified; specifying applicability; and providing for an effective date.

Notes

What is the official role of Wyoming's State Auditor?  From their website:

"The Office of the State Auditor has existed since Wyoming’s territorial days, and has been a constitutional position since Wyoming’s statehood. One of the five elected officials for the State of Wyoming, the Auditor serves as the chief comptroller and payroll officer. The Auditor protects public money by ensuring that it is properly accounted for in the most efficient and cost effective means at all times. Promoting transparency and financial accountability are the Auditor’s top priorities."

Over the years, the level of transparency from the Office of the State Auditor on where the state spends it's money has swayed anywhere from very respectful towards Wyoming taxpayers to somewhat devious.  HB166 will ensure ongoing transparency by making available for public inspection and download on the state auditor's official website information on all payments within the purview of the state auditor's office made to vendors for items furnished or services rendered.

The information shall include, at a minimum, the date of each payment, the vendor's name, the state agency requiring items or services or from whose funds the payment is made, the total amount paid and a description of the payment. Payment information required under this paragraph shall be posted to the state auditor's official website not later than thirty (30) days after the payment is made by the state auditor. Information published on the official website under this paragraph shall be maintained on the website for not less than five (5) years.

A true win for taxpayer rights and increased governmental transparency.