The Association of Inspectors General (AIG) has been following the development of legislation to establish a Rhode Island Office of Inspector General and is encouraged by the submission of H-5997, to the General Assembly for consideration during the 2025 January Session. The Association issued a letter today in support of the legislation to the Chair and embers of the Rhode Island House Finance Committee
Click here to download a copy of see the full text below.
April 3, 2025
Dear Chairman Abney and Honorable Members of the Rhode Island House Finance Committee:
The Association of Inspectors General (AIG) is an independent, non-partisan 501(c)(3) organization of more than 2,500 members working in hundreds of Inspectors General offices across the United States and internationally. The AIG also promotes best practices for independent government oversight through the Principles and Standards for Offices of Inspector General (Principles and Standards), professional certification training, peer reviews and advocacy and outreach for the inspector general mission through its Government Relations committee.
The AIG has been following the development of legislation to establish a Rhode Island Office of Inspector General and is encouraged by the submission of H-5997, to the General Assembly for consideration during the 2025 January Session.
We recognize that well-crafted enabling legislation is indispensable for the creation of an effective office of inspector general. The Principles and Standards establish the fundamental elements that must be addressed and provide guidance on the creation of effective legislation. Enabling legislation should define the powers and duties of the office; provide meaningful operational independence; establish process and procedure for the selection, retention, and termination of an inspector general; and appropriate authority to perform their duties .
H-5997 is a significant step forward and provides a good foundation for effective, independent oversight. The AIG stands ready to support the Rhode Island General Assembly in the development of legislation that supports the Principles and Standards that have guided state and local offices of inspector general for nearly 25 years.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or if we may be of further assistance.
Sincerely,
Will Fletcher
President, Association of Inspectors General
