Sen. Michael Waddoups' Senate Bill 20 will give the Legislative Auditor General access to records from any agency that receives public funds and will allow the auditor to issue subpoenas when necessary.

Worried about violating judges' privacy, the Judicial Conduct Commission refused to provide records to the auditor last year.

Waddoups' bill would allow the auditor to keep some of potentially sensitive information private.

"They know what their responsibilities are," the Taylorsville Republican said.

Still, an attorney for Utah Retirement Systems said his agency reserves the right to quash a subpoena in court. Dan Anderson said URS is concerned the auditor might delve into private medical insurance records of state employees.

"We have control of very sensitive information.

"And there is certainly information that doesn't need to be gathered by the legislative auditor," Anderson said.

The legislation now goes to Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. for his signature.

-Rebecca Walsh