Rand.audit.guidelines.1.6.09-1

Lobbyist Random Audit Guidelines Preface The Tennessee Comprehensive Governmental Ethics Reform Act of 2006 (“Act”) 1gives the Tennessee Ethics Commission (“Commission”) the power to conduct audits. In addition, the Act provides that it is the “duty” of the Commission to “[a]udit each year the registration statements, amendments to registration statements and reports of no more 2than four percent (4%) of all lobbyists” to determine compliance with the Act. The lobbyists are selected randomly, in the presence of a representative of the Office of the Attorney General and Reporter. These guidelines were prepared by Commission staff with the purpose of helping lobbyists who have been selected for random audit and are preparing to respond to requests for information. In addition, the guidelines are intended to be helpful to all lobbyists in determining what sort of records should be maintained to show compliance with the Act. The guidelines have not, however, been reviewed or approved by the Commission. A person wishing to rely on legal advice from the Commission on a specific legal question must seek an informal response from legal staff or an advisory 3opinion from the Commission. Scope of Random Audit An audit of the lobbyist registration statement includes a verification of information listed in the statement, including a list of the subjects of lobbying, the name and address of any family member who is a state official, and the ...