House Minority Leader John Rusche says Idaho needs a new office to investigate concerns about government fraud and waste.
Rusche pitched the idea to the House State Affairs Committee on Thursday.
The bill barely squeaked by the Republican-controlled panel after an attempt to kill the plan failed by one vote.
According to Rusche, currently there is nowhere for state employees or citizens to go if they have complaints regarding state-level corruption.
Republican Rep. Brent Crane countered that he's concerned people would overwhelm the office with unfounded political accusations.
Other lawmakers worried that the inspector general — who would be appointed to a six-year term— would be biased because it would be housed in the governor's office.
The plan to implement the new office would cost $350,000 per year.