Section 6-09-29 - Examinations and audit reports1. The state auditor shall contract with an independent certified public accounting firm for an annual audit of the Bank of North Dakota in accordance with generally accepted government auditing standards. On request of the state auditor, the industrial commission shall assist the state auditor in the auditing firm selection process, but the selection of the auditing firm is the state auditor's responsibility. The auditor selected shall prepare an audit report that includes financial statements presented in accordance with the audit and accounting guide for banks and savings institutions issued by the American institute of certified public accountants. The auditor also shall prepare audited financial statements for inclusion in the comprehensive annual financial report for the state.2. The separate programs and funds administered by the Bank must be audited annually. The audits may be conducted by the state auditor or an independent certified public accounting firm. The audits of the separate programs and funds administered by the Bank may be combined into one comprehensive audit if combining the audits provides cost savings and efficiencies.3. The state auditor may conduct performance audits of the Bank of North Dakota, including the separate programs and funds administered by the Bank. The auditor shall report the results of the audit to the industrial commission and to the legislative assembly. The Bank of North Dakota or its separate programs and funds shall pay the costs of the performance audit.4. The department of financial institutions, through the commissioner, shall examine the Bank of North Dakota at least once each twenty-four months and conduct any investigation of the Bank which may be necessary. The commissioner shall report the examination results, and the results of any necessary investigation, to the industrial commission as soon as practicable and to the legislative assembly. The department of financial institutions shall charge a fee for any examination or investigation at an hourly rate to be set by the commissioner, sufficient to cover all reasonable expenses of the department associated with the examinations and investigations provided for by this section.Amended by S.L. 2023 , ch. 95( SB 2233 ), § 3, eff. 7/1/2023.