Jefferson City  — The Joint Committee on Government Accountability met for the first time in ten years on Wednesday. Senator Mary Elizabeth Coleman (R-Arnold), who chairs the Senate Government Efficiency Committee and will chair this committee, says this marked a significant step forward for the General Assembly’s government accountability efforts and emphasized the critical role of government oversight in eliminating inefficiencies, fraud and misconduct. 

By law, the Joint Committee on Government Accountability, made up of senators and members of the Missouri House of Representatives, is tasked with identifying inefficiencies in state government, analyzing the effectiveness of state agencies, recommending statutory or policy changes, and recognizing officials who excel in their duties. Under Sen. Coleman’s leadership, the committee is renewing its commitment to ensuring transparency and efficiency across Missouri’s government entities.

Senator Coleman has spearheaded similar efforts in the Senate Government Efficiency Committee, resulting in the advancement of five key bills aimed at reducing waste and improving state operations:

• Senate Bill 720 – Mandates the Office of Administration (OA) to report state-owned properties that have been unused for three or more years. This bill enables the governor to convey these properties, cutting down on waste and saving taxpayer dollars on maintenance costs.
• Senate Bill 722 – Requires OA to report abandoned state funds that have been untouched for over five years. This legislation redirects more than $6.6 million in dormant funds — some unclaimed for nearly a decade — into Missouri’s General Revenue Fund.
• Senate Bill 723 – Calls for OA to annually report unused tax credits that have remained unclaimed for five or more years. The bill repeals outdated and inefficient tax credits, ensuring Missouri’s tax incentive system is more effective and transparent.
• Senate Bill 729 – Establishes an annual review process for inactive boards and commissions that have failed to hold a public meeting or take action for three or more years, leading to their dissolution when appropriate.
• Senate Bill 757 – Aims to streamline Missouri’s regulatory framework by repealing outdated laws that no longer serve a purpose, thereby reducing bureaucratic red tape.

“These reforms are about making government work better for the people of Missouri,” said Sen. Coleman. “We are identifying and eliminating inefficiencies, closing loopholes and ensuring taxpayer dollars are used wisely. I’m proud of the work we’ve done to create a more accountable and effective government.”

The Joint Committee on Government Accountability and the Senate Government Efficiency Committee will continue their diligent work in overseeing state operations and driving legislative reforms that promote responsible governance.

To learn more about Sen. Coleman, please visit her official Missouri Senate website at senate.mo.gov/Coleman.