State Auditor criticizes bill he said would have ‘gutted’ his office

State Auditor Shad White on Monday continued to criticize legislation that attempted to alter the scope of powers his office has in auditing nonprofit companies, continuing the statewide officials’ clash with the Republican-majority Senate. 

White, a Republican, told attendees at the Stennis Capitol Press Forum that the legislation would have “gutted” his office and prevented his staff from adequately investigating organizations that receive federal or state funds. 

“It basically took away our ability to look at more waste in state government,” White said. 

Sen. David Parker, a Republican from Olive Branch, authored the Senate Bill 2847 but killed the measure last week.  

The bill would have required White’s office to audit nonprofits receiving more than $10 million in federal funds and allowed him at his discretion to audit nonprofits receiving less than $10 million in federal dollars. 

The legislation would also remove his office’s ability to “institute suit” against people he believes defrauded the state, an issue over which he and Attorney General Lynn Fitch are currently fighting in court over. 

Parker said the legislation was not politically motivated. He advocated for its passage because he did not like how White handled the arrest of a DeSoto County alderman accused of illegally obtaining unemployment insurance. 

“This bill is not about personal attacks or political agendas,” Parker said. “It’s about making sure our system is fair, balanced and transparent — and that we don’t rush to judgment in ways that can damage lives.” 

White said the legislation increased his motivation to run for governor in 2027.

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