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The Audit Protection Act, jointly authored by Assemblymembers Al Muratsuchi, Kevin McCarty, and Phil Ting, passes Senate Public Safety Committee

For immediate release:

Bill would impose civil penalty of up to $5,000 on anyone who intentionally deceives, defrauds, obstructs or interferes with an official state audit

Torrance, CA –The Senate Public Safety Committee passed AB 562, the Audit Protection Act, by a vote of 5-1.  Jointly authored by Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance), along with Assemblymembers Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento) and Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), the bill would impose a civil penalty of up to $5,000 on anyone who intentionally deceives, defrauds, obstructs or interferes with the California State Auditor in the performance of his or her official duties.

Muratsuchi, as Chair of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee (JLAC), introduced the bill in response to the recent University of California audit findings, which alleges interference in the audit process by the University of California Office of the President.

“I was very disturbed by the allegation of interference.  This bill will give the state auditor the necessary tools to ensure that all public agencies are held accountable and cooperate with state auditors,” said Muratsuchi.

Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi represents California’s 66th Assembly District, which includes El Camino Village, Gardena, Harbor City, Harbor Gateway, Hermosa Beach, Lomita, Los Angeles, Manhattan Beach, Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Redondo Beach, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Torrance, and West Carson.  He serves as Chairman of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee and the Assembly Select Committee on Aerospace.  Muratsuchi is a member of the Assembly Committees on Budget, Budget Subcommittee 2, Appropriations, Natural Resources, Utilities and Energy, and Veterans Affairs.