AUDITS.

(a) The executive director shall provide for a certified public accountant to conduct an independent audit for each fiscal year of all accounts and transactions of the lottery. The certified public accountant may not have, as determined by the executive director, a significant financial interest in a sales agent, lottery vendor, or lottery operator. The certified public accountant shall present an audit report to the executive director, the commission, the governor, the comptroller, and the legislature not later than the 30th day after the submission date for the annual financial report required by the General Appropriations Act. The report must contain recommendations to enhance the earnings capability of the lottery and improve the efficiency of lottery operations. The state auditor may review the results of and working papers related to the audit.

(b) Each lottery operator's and sales agent's records are subject to audit by the commission and the state auditor. For the purpose of carrying out this chapter, the executive director or state auditor may examine all books, records, papers, or other objects that the executive director or state auditor determines are necessary for conducting a complete examination under this chapter and may also examine under oath any officer, director, or employee of a lottery operator or sales agent. The executive director or state auditor may conduct an examination at the principal office or any other office of the lottery operator or sales agent or may require the lottery operator or sales agent to produce the records at the office of the commission or state auditor. If a sales agent refuses to permit an examination or to answer any question authorized by this subsection, the executive director may summarily suspend the license of the sales agent under Section 466.160 until the examination is completed as required. Section 321.013(h) does not apply to an audit of a lottery operator or sales agent.