The Budget and Finance Committee considered, under an expedited procedure and in the II reading, the draft Organic Law on the State Audit Office, together with the accompanying draft laws, and supported their submission to the plenary session.

The draft law was presented by the First Deputy Chair of the Committee, Irakli Kheladze.

According to the proposed amendments, changes are introduced to the provisions regulating the organization of the State Audit Office’s activities, the exercise of audit powers, and the institution’s internal governance. In particular, the definitions of financial, compliance, and performance audits, as well as the definition of an audit entity, are clarified.

The draft law introduces the institution of a Public Relations Secretary, aimed at ensuring coordinated communication with state bodies and other organizations. The organizational powers of the Auditor General are expanded, including authority over the structure of the State Audit Office, staffing arrangements, rules of service, labor relations, and the adoption of internal legal acts. In addition, the functions of the Presidium of the State Audit Office are revised, and the status of the Public Audit Institute is defined.

Furthermore, the draft law clarifies the scope of the State Audit Office’s audit authority, including the range of entities subject to audit. It also grants the Office the authority, in agreement with the relevant administrative bodies, to access and use electronic databases.