ROLE OF STATE AUDITOR, GOVERNOR, AND STATE AGENCIES

(a) To protect the public interest and promote the efficient use of public funds, the governor, with the technical assistance of the state auditor, may draft and adopt: (1) rules relating to the operation and oversight of a commission; (2) rules relating to the receipt or expenditure of funds by a commission, including: (A) restrictions on the expenditure of any portion of commission funds for certain classes of expenses; and (B) restrictions on the maximum amount of or percentage of commission funds that may be expended on a class of expenses, including indirect costs or travel expenses; (3) annual reporting requirements for a commission; (4) annual audit requirements on funds received or expended by a commission from any source; (5) rules relating to the establishment and use of standards by which the productivity and performance of each commission can be evaluated; and (6) guidelines that commissions and governmental units shall follow in carrying out the provisions of this chapter relating to review and comment procedures. (a-1) The governor may draft and adopt rules under Subsection (a) using negotiated rulemaking procedures under Chapter 2008, Government Code. (a-2) Based on a risk assessment performed by the state auditor and subject to the legislative audit committee's approval for inclusion in the audit plan under Section 321.013, Government Code, the state auditor's office shall assist the governor as provided by Subsection (a). (b) The governor and state agencies shall provide technical information and assistance to the members and staff of a commission to increase, to the greatest extent feasible, the capability of the commission to discharge its duties and responsibilities prescribed by this chapter and to ensure compliance with the rules, requirements, and guidelines adopted under Subsection (a). (c) In carrying out their planning and program development responsibilities, state agencies shall, to the greatest extent feasible, coordinate planning with commissions to ensure effective and orderly implementation of state programs at the regional level.