Division of Accountability, Value, and Efficiency (DAVE) Act

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Policy Status

  • Type: Model Policy
  • Status: Draft
  • Date Introduced: July 24, 2026

Task Forces

  • Tax and Fiscal Policy Task Force

    • Tags

  • 2026 Annual Meeting

    • Summary

    This model policy establishes a division to review state agencies and vacant positions and to make recommendations regarding elimination, consolidation, or restructuring thereof.      
    Draft

    Division of Accountability, Value, and Efficiency (DAVE) Act

    Section 1. Short Title  

    This Act shall be known and may be cited as the “Division of Accountability, Value, and Efficiency (DAVE) Act.”

    Section 2. Legislative Findings and Purpose  

    • (a) The Legislature finds that transparency and accountability in the use of public funds are essential to maintaining public trust; that state agencies must regularly evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of their operations; and that persistent vacancies and duplicative or ineffective spending may indicate opportunities for improved stewardship of taxpayer resources.  
    • (b) The purpose of this Act is to establish a centralized mechanism to evaluate the use of public funds, assess agency effectiveness, and recommend structural and fiscal effectiveness across state government.  

    Section 3. Establishment of the Division  

    • (a) There is hereby established a Division of Accountability, Value, and Efficiency (‘Division’) within the Office of the State Auditor or another independent oversight entity as designated by state law. The Division shall be organized and administered by the State Auditor or equivalent official, who shall have authority to hire staff and consultants, utilize data analytics and artificial intelligence, and adopt procedures necessary to carry out the duties of the Division.  

    Section 4. Agency Reporting Requirements  

    • (a) Each state agency shall submit a report to the Division containing a detailed explanation of how the agency utilizes public funds to carry out its statutory duties, and a listing and description of all authorized positions that have remained vacant for six months or longer, including vacancy dates, posting dates, and explanations for the length of vacancies.  

    Section 5. Review and Assessment   

    • (a) The Division shall conduct a comprehensive assessment of agency expenditures, effectiveness of spending, duplicative programs, staffing levels, and any other relevant factors. The Division may consult with legislative oversight bodies and utilize advanced analytics and artificial intelligence to support its review.  

    Section 6. Recommendations and Reporting  

    • (a) The Division shall submit a report to the Legislature and Governor containing findings and recommendations regarding elimination, consolidation, or restructuring of agencies and programs, and elimination or reallocation of vacant or unnecessary positions. Reports shall be made publicly available.  

    Section 7. Ongoing Reporting  

    • (a) The Division may require periodic updates from agencies and may conduct reassessments on an ongoing basis.  

    Section 8. Rulemaking Authority  

    • (a) The State Auditor or designated oversight official may adopt rules necessary to implement this Act.  

    Section 9. Sunset Provision  

    This Act shall expire four years after enactment unless reauthorized by the Legislature.  

    Section 10. Severability  

     If any provision of this Act is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications.  

    Section 11. Effective Date 

    This Act shall take effect upon enactment.