House Republican majority rejects efforts at Inspector General accountability

INDIANAPOLIS – Efforts to provide greater accountability in investigations of state government abuse were rejected today by the Indiana House Republican majority that controls that chamber, according to State Rep. Ryan Dvorak (D-South Bend).

On a party-line vote, House Republicans rejected an amendment offered by Dvorak requiring the state’s Inspector General to provide more timely updates on investigations conducted by that office. Dvorak offered the amendment to House Bill 1121.

“My proposal simply asked the Inspector General to post an update on any investigation being conducted by his office within 180 days after that investigation has started,” Dvorak said. “I understand the sensitive nature of the work done in this office, but I also believe the public has the right to have regular updates that tell us whether the Inspector General’s work is done, or whether it is still under way.”

At present, Dvorak said the general public often has no knowledge of the progress of investigations until they are completed, often forcing them to file Freedom of Information requests to get any kind of update.

“This is a public office that deals with public integrity, and I believe the public should have a greater awareness of what is going on,” he said.

“I am disappointed that the House majority did not agree with a plan to provide greater transparency and accountability in state government, but I believe there will be other attempts to address the public’s concerns in these areas.”