LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Auditors reviewing travel and security records that were restricted from public release under a measure Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed last year did not find any violations of law in how money was spent, according to a report released to lawmakers on Friday.
The review of about $4 million spent by State Police on security and travel for the governor was the second part of an audit lawmakers requested last year that had initially focused on a $19,000 lectern purchased for Sanders’ office that had drawn widespread scrutiny.
Arkansas lawmakers question governor’s staff about purchase of $19,000 lectern cited by audit
Auditors earlier this year said that purchase potentially violated state laws on purchasing and state records, though a local prosecutor declined to pursue criminal charges.
Friday’s audit reviewed expenses related to the governor’s protection between June 1, 2022 and Dec. 31, 2023. The reviewed covered roughly the first year of Sanders’ administration and the last six months of her predecessor, former Gov. Asa Hutchinson.