The Joint Audit Committee formed as the Budget and Audit Committee in 1968 (Chapter 456, Acts of 1968). The Committee received its present name in 1997 (Chapter 635, Acts of 1997).
The Committee studies and reviews State fiscal policies and post audits, and other matters relating to fiscal affairs. From the Executive Department and the Department of Legislative Services it receives annual reports on how long-term State debt affects the State's financial condition.
Annually, the Committee reviews federally funded projects requiring future State funds and nonbudgeted funds used for capital programs. It also reviews rules and regulations that require increased expenditures and establishes policies and directives for the Department of Fiscal Services.
The Committee's twenty members include the Senate President, the House Speaker, and the majority and minority floor leaders or designees. Other members are divided equally between legislators from the fiscal committees of the Senate and House of Delegates. The Senate President and the House Speaker name the chair and vice-chair (Code State Government Article, secs. 2-601 through 2-606).
© Copyright November 12, 1997 Maryland State Archives