House Sponsors: DAVIS,STEVE-HOLBROOK-MATHIAS-GRANBERG-BOLAND, FRANKS AND BRADLEY. Senate Sponsors: DEMUZIO-OBAMA Short description: SOS-INSPECTOR GENERAL Synopsis of Bill as introduced: Amends the Secretary of State Act. Requires the Secretary of State to appoint, with the advice and consent of the Senate, an Inspector General. Provides that the Secretary of State may designate the Inspector General and the members of the Inspector General's office as peace officers after those persons have completed basic police training. Allows the Inspector General to conduct investiga- tions and make reports concerning misconduct within the Office of the Secretary of State; subpoena witnesses and evidence necessary to carry out the duties of the Inspector General; and have direct access to the Secretary of State. Provides that a person who fails to comply with a subpoena issued by the Inspector General is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor. Prohibits reprisals against employees of the Secretary of State who make complaints to or disclose information to the Inspector General. Requires the Secretary of State to adopt rules establishing requirements for investigations. Amends the Secretary of State Merit Employment Code. Provides requirements for the qualification of certain employees as inspectors. Effective immediately. HOUSE AMENDMENT NO. 1. Provides that a person who knowingly and intentionally (instead of just "knowingly") (A) fails to appear in response to a subpoena or (B) fails to produce any books or papers in his or her possession or control (instead of just "books or papers") pertinent to an investigation by the Inspector General is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor. HOUSE AMENDMENT NO. 2. Adds "corruption" and removes "waste", "misconduct" and "other abuse" from the conduct that the Inspector General is authorized to detect, deter, and prevent. Removes "productivity" and "efficiency" from the conduct that the Inspector General is empowered to increase within the Office of the Secretary of State by recommending methods and procedures. Provides that the Inspector General's authorization to access records, make investigations and reports, request information and assistance, or issue subpoenas is limited to the investigation of the Office of the Secretary of State, its employees, or their actions for fraud, corruption, or mismanagement. Provides that the Inspector General may not issue subpoenas for certain records maintained in the ordinary course of business by certain labor organizations. Provides that any employee who has the authority to recommend or approve any personnel action or to direct others to recommend or approve any personnel action (instead of "who has the authority to take, direct others to take, recommend, or approve any personnel action") make not take any action against any employee as a reprisal for making a complaint or disclosing information to the Inspector General. Provides that any employee of the Secretary of State who is subject to investigation or inquiry by the Inspector General must be informed of his or her right to remain silent and to be represented by a representative of a labor organization. Requires all investigations and recommendations for discipline by the Inspector General to comply with applicable collective bargaining agreements. Last action on Bill: SESSION SINE DIE Last action date: JAN-07-2003 Location: House Amendments to Bill: AMENDMENTS ADOPTED: HOUSE - 2 SENATE - 0 END OF INQUIRY Full Text Bill Status