(a) If an internal auditor employed by a state agency has a good faith belief that the agency management is interfering with the internal auditor’s or auditors’ ability to comply with the provisions of this part, that the internal auditor or auditors are under pressure to modify or limit findings or recommendations, or that senior management is not taking appropriate action in response to an audit finding or recommendation, the internal auditor may report the information supporting that good faith belief to the State Auditor.
(b) The State Auditor may investigate any report made pursuant to subdivision (a) and if the allegations are substantiated, shall report his or her findings pursuant to Chapter 6.5 (commencing with Section 8545) of Division 1.
(c) Any internal auditor making a report pursuant to this section shall receive all protection available under the California Whistleblower Protection Act (Article 3 (commencing with Section 8547) of Chapter 6.5 of Division 1).
(Added by Stats. 2006, Ch. 452, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 2007.)