Budget & Taxes (Audits & Accountability)

H.67 creates a new Joint Government Oversight and Accountability Committee to strengthen state government accountability. The committee, composed of eight legislators (four from each chamber with party balance requirements), examines major issues affecting Vermont - such as costly failures, vulnerable populations, or audit shortcomings - and makes recommendations to prevent future problems. It must issue annual reports detailing its investigations and needs, while also reviewing how well state agencies meet policy goals. The bill also updates reporting rules for the Chief Performance Officer to ensure consistent tracking of government outcomes.

This bill reinstates a program allowing Vermont Executive and Judicial branch employees to earn financial rewards for suggestions that save state government money. Eligible nonmanagement state employees can submit cost-saving ideas, which must meet specific criteria (like being feasible, not already under review, and not harming service quality) before adoption. If implemented, employees receive 25% of the first-year savings (capped at $25,000) paid by the agency realizing the savings. The bill also establishes a review process for disputed denials or disputed savings calculations, with final decisions by the State Auditor or Court Administrator.