On February 19, 2026, the Joint Legislative Audit Committee (JLAC), co-chaired by Senator Mark Finchem, held a meeting at the State Capitol focused on two major oversight topics: a special audit of the Arizona State Board of Chiropractic Examiners and a statewide financial risk analysis of Arizona school districts. Both matters go directly to the heart of government accountability and taxpayer protection.
The first agenda item examined the Arizona State Board of Chiropractic Examiners through a follow-up to a prior Auditor General report. Audits of licensing boards are critical to ensuring that professional regulators operate ethically, efficiently, and within the law. Regulatory boards exist to protect the public, not to operate as insulated bureaucracies. When deficiencies are identified, legislative oversight ensures corrective action is taken.
The second major item addressed financial risk processes in Arizona school districts. The Auditor General’s January 2026 Financial Risk Analysis Report highlighted districts with elevated financial risk profiles. Representatives from both the Auditor General’s Office and districts identified as high risk were present to discuss their financial practices and corrective steps. Given that K–12 education consumes a substantial portion of Arizona’s state budget, rigorous financial oversight is essential to protect both students and taxpayers.
As co-chair, Senator Finchem plays a key role in ensuring the Legislature fulfills its constitutional duty to monitor the use of public funds. The Joint Legislative Audit Committee serves as one of the Legislature’s primary tools for examining how agencies, boards, and public entities operate. Through regular audits and follow-up reviews, JLAC ensures that taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly and that government agencies remain accountable to the people.
Senator Finchem has consistently emphasized that oversight is not optional. Transparency and accountability are foundational principles of good government. By co-chairing JLAC and prioritizing in-depth audit reviews, he continues to advance reforms that protect Arizona taxpayers and reinforce public trust in state institutions.
A livestream of the February 19 meeting was made available to the public.