2026 -- H 7984

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LC005776

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO PUBLIC FINANCE -- INDEPENDENT PERFORMANCE AND EFFICIENCY

AUDIT OF THE RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

     Introduced By: Representatives Tanzi, Speakman, McGaw, Alzate, Boylan, Spears,
Donovan, Chippendale, Batista, and Shanley

     Date Introduced: February 27, 2026

     Referred To: House State Government & Elections

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Title 35 of the General Laws entitled "PUBLIC FINANCE" is hereby

amended by adding thereto the following chapter:

CHAPTER 25

INDEPENDENT PERFORMANCE AND EFFICIENCY AUDIT OF THE RHODE ISLAND

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

     35-25-1. Independent performance and efficiency audit required.

     (a) The auditor general shall conduct and oversee a comprehensive performance and

efficiency audit of the Rhode Island department of transportation.

     (b) The audit shall:

     (1) Be benchmarked against regional peer state transportation agencies in the northeastern

United States including, but not limited to, agencies in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York;

     (2) Evaluate organizational structure, capital project delivery, procurement practices,

maintenance operations, financial controls, staffing levels, performance metrics, and cost

efficiencies;

     (3) Establish benchmark performance dates and measurable targets for each major

operational division of the department;

     (4) Include segmented review deadlines, with the final segment and comprehensive report

to be completed no later than January 30, 2027.

     (c) The audit shall be conducted independently and shall not be subject to approval,

modification, or preview by the Rhode Island department of transportation prior to its public

release.

     35-25-2. Oversight, scope and direction.

     (a) The auditor general shall determine and control the scope, methodology, direction, and

findings of the audit.

     (b) The auditor general shall consult with and receive legal and technical assistance from

the attorney general as necessary to ensure compliance, independence, and enforceability of this

chapter.

     (c) Neither the department of transportation nor any executive branch official shall interfere

with, limit, or direct the scope or findings of the audit.

     35-25-3. Consultant authority.

     (a) The auditor general is hereby authorized to procure, retain, and compensate independent

consultants, subject matter experts, forensic auditors, and other professional services as necessary

to assist in completion of the audit.

     (b) All consultants shall operate under the supervision and direction of the auditor general.

     (c) Consultants retained pursuant to this chapter shall have full access to all records,

documents, electronic data, contracts, personnel information (subject to applicable privacy laws),

and other materials deemed necessary by the auditor general.

     35-25-4. Mandatory compliance.

     (a) The Rhode Island department of transportation shall fully cooperate with the auditor

general and all authorized consultants.

     (b) The department shall:

     (1) Provide timely access to records and personnel;

     (2) Respond promptly to written and oral requests;

     (3) Designate a liaison officer for coordination purposes only.

     (c) Failure to comply with lawful requests issued pursuant to this chapter may be enforced

by application to the superior court for appropriate relief, including injunctive orders.

     35-25-5. Funding.

     (a) There is hereby appropriated the sum of two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000), or

so much thereof as may be necessary, to the office of the auditor general for fiscal year 2026–2027

for the purpose of hiring consultants and supporting completion of the audit required by this

chapter.

     (b) Funds appropriated pursuant to this section shall not revert until completion of the audit.

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     35-25-6. Reporting and publication.

     (a) The final audit report shall be submitted to:

     (1) The speaker of the house;

     (2) The president of the senate;

     (3) The governor;

     (4) The attorney general.

     (b) Upon submission, the report shall be immediately made publicly available.

     (c) No draft report shall be provided to the department of transportation for advance review

or comment prior to publication.

     35-25-7. Severability.

     If any provision of this chapter is held invalid, the remaining provisions shall not be

affected.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO PUBLIC FINANCE -- INDEPENDENT PERFORMANCE AND EFFICIENCY

AUDIT OF THE RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

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     This act would require that an independent performance and efficiency audit be conducted

for the department of transportation by the auditor general.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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