Members of a bipartisan committee of North Carolina senators are asking the state auditor to investigate how money intended to stop human trafficking had been spent and managed, in response to reporting.
Reported findings include how the legislature directed $15 million for sexual abuse survivors to a tiny commission in the state court system, causing delays in fund disbursements to crisis centers which affected their services.
“It sounds like something that we can definitely put the auditor on,” said Sen. Steve Jarvis, a Republican co-chair of the Committee on Regulatory Reform, in response to highlighted reporting.
The committee subsequently advanced a bill empowering the state auditor to investigate state spending efficiency under the DAVE Act, creating the Division of Accountability, Value, and Efficiency under Republican State Auditor Dave Boliek.
Boliek assured quick action in response to the reporting, establishing a rapid response team to address the issue proactively. Questions about the investigation’s nature and timing remain unanswered.
Senator Woodson Bradley expressed concerns during the meeting and called for transparency and accountability in the investigation of the Human Trafficking Commission and the allocation of funds.
Bradley urged for clarity and a bipartisan review of the DAVE Act before it reaches the Senate floor to prevent political bias in investigations.
Bradley received assurances from the auditor regarding the investigation into the Human Trafficking Commission and is awaiting written confirmation of the formal investigation.
Concerns were raised about possible politicization of the DAVE Act and the need for an honest and bipartisan review to ensure effective and fair investigations.
Boliek promised a nonpartisan, data-centric approach in investigating government spending and ensuring value for taxpayer dollars.
In addition to the $15 million redirected to the Human Trafficking Commission, additional funds were allocated for faith-based groups, some of which raised concerns about the effectiveness of the funds in providing long-term services to victims.
A spokesperson for the court system declined to comment for this article, pointing to past statements.
“Our experience is that support for fighting human trafficking is nonpartisan in the legislature,” the spokesperson had previously expressed, emphasizing bipartisan efforts.
Senator Jarvis highlighted the need for the DAVE Act in addressing issues similar to those with the Human Trafficking Commission.
The DAVE division aims to ensure efficiency and accountability in agency operations through detailed reviews.