29.235.  Authority of auditor and authorized agents — confidentiality of testimony and records. — 1.  The auditor and the auditor's authorized agents are authorized to:

  (1)  Examine all books, accounts, records, reports, or vouchers of any state agency or entity subject to audit, insofar as they are necessary to conduct an audit under this chapter, provided that the auditor complies with state and federal financial privacy requirements prior to accessing financial records including provisions presented in chapter 408 and provided that the auditor or other public entity reimburses the reasonable documentation and production costs relating to compliance with examination by the auditor or auditor's authorized agents that pertain to:

  (a)  Amounts received under a grant or contract from the federal government or the state or its political subdivisions;

  (b)  Amounts received, disbursed, or otherwise handled on behalf of the federal government or the state;

  (2)  Examine and inspect all property, equipment, and facilities in the possession of any state agency, political subdivision, or quasi-governmental entity that were furnished or otherwise provided through grant, contract, or any other type of funding by the state of Missouri or the federal government; and

  (3)  Review state tax returns, except such review shall be limited to matters of official business, and the auditor's report shall not violate the confidentiality provisions of tax laws.  Notwithstanding confidentiality provisions of tax laws to the contrary, the auditor may use or disclose information related to overdue tax debts in support of the auditor's statutory mission.

  2.  All contracts or agreements entered into as a result of the award of a grant by state agencies or political subdivisions shall include, as a necessary part, a clause describing the auditor's access as provided under this section.

  3.  The auditor may obtain the services of certified public accountants, qualified management consultants, or other professional persons and experts as the auditor deems necessary or desirable to carry out the duties and functions assigned under this chapter.  Unless otherwise authorized by law, no state agency shall enter into any contract for auditing services without consultation with, and the prior written approval of, the auditor.

  4.  (1)  Insofar as necessary to conduct an audit under this chapter or an investigation under section 29.221, the auditor or the auditor's authorized representatives shall have the power to subpoena witnesses, to take testimony under oath, to cause the deposition of witnesses residing within or without the state to be taken in a manner prescribed by law, and to assemble records and documents, by subpoena or otherwise.  The subpoena power granted by this section shall be exercised only at the specific written direction of the auditor or the auditor's chief deputy.

  (2)  If any person refuses to comply with a subpoena, the auditor shall seek to enforce the subpoena before a court of competent jurisdiction to require the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of books, papers, correspondence, memoranda, contracts, agreements, and other records.  Such court may issue an order requiring such person to appear before the auditor or officers designated by the auditor to produce records or to give testimony relating to the matter under investigation or in question.  Any failure to comply with such order of the court may be punished by such court as contempt.

  5.  Testimony and records obtained through the authority to subpoena under this section shall be subject to the same confidentiality and disclosure provisions provided under section 29.200 for audit workpapers and related supportive material.