A bipartisan group of North Carolina senators has called on the state auditor to investigate the allocation and management of funds intended to combat human trafficking. This move follows a ProPublica investigation revealing that $15 million earmarked for sexual abuse survivors was redirected by the Republican-controlled legislature from established Democratic-led agencies to the small and less-experienced Human Trafficking Commission within the Republican-led state court system. The commission reportedly failed to disburse the funds effectively, leading to delayed payments and service cuts at crisis centers.
DAVE Act Introduced to Investigate Mismanagement, Amid Bipartisan Calls for Transparency and Fairness
In response to these concerns, the Committee on Regulatory Reform has advanced legislation known as the DAVE Act (Division of Accountability, Value and Efficiency), named after Republican State Auditor Dave Boliek. The bill seeks to empower Boliek’s office to investigate inefficiencies, fraud, and waste in state spending. Boliek has already begun preliminary actions, establishing a “rapid response team” to address the allegations raised in the ProPublica article, although details about the nature and scope of any formal investigation remain unclear.
Democratic Senator Woodson Bradley
Democratic Senator Woodson Bradley, herself a survivor of domestic violence, voiced deep frustration during the committee meeting. She emphasized the betrayal felt by survivors and demanded transparency and accountability for how the $15 million was redirected and managed. Bradley also urged that the investigation be formalized and truly bipartisan to avoid the potential politicization of the DAVE Act, expressing concern that it could become a tool for targeting Democratic agencies.
Concerns Over Fund Misuse Spark Push for Nonpartisan Oversight and Financial Accountability Measures
Bradley highlighted that the initial fund redirection appeared to have occurred through partisan tactics in previous state budgets. Further investigation by ProPublica revealed that one faith-based organization — founded shortly before being awarded funding — received $640,000 and reported assisting only a handful of victims, with most aid limited to food and gas. This raised further questions about oversight and the true impact of the funds allocated to fight human trafficking.
Despite concerns, both Auditor Boliek and Senator Jarvis assured the public that the DAVE Act aims to restore accountability through a nonpartisan, data-driven approach. Jarvis emphasized that the Act was created specifically to prevent mismanagement like that seen in the Human Trafficking Commission case. Both lawmakers stressed the importance of ensuring taxpayer funds are used efficiently and reach the vulnerable populations they are meant to support.
