5-13-321. Joint audits. (1) The legislative auditor may participate with audit oversight organizations on joint audits of Montana programs or services. For the purpose of the joint audits, the legislative auditor may cooperate with the audit oversight organizations, accept and provide information necessary to the success of the joint audits, and enter into contracts for the performance of the joint audits. Audits authorized by this section may examine all or any part of the financing or performance of a program, whether operated directly by a state agency or by a contractor with a state agency. Joint audits are subject to the audit standards, objectives, and reporting procedures required by state law and as required in applicable federal laws, regulations, and policies.

(2) Audit costs of the legislative auditor for conducting joint audits authorized by subsection (1) are considered direct costs of the state agency or program subject to the audit. Funds for the payment of the expenses of the legislative auditor must be deposited in the state special revenue fund as provided in 5-13-403. To the maximum extent allowable under federal regulations, the legislative auditor shall charge audit costs of joint audits to federal funds.

(3) Audits conducted pursuant to this section must be approved by the committee as part of the operational plan of the legislative auditor.