§ 950. Definitions. As used in this article, the following terms shall
have the following meanings:

1. "Internal control". A process that integrates the activities,
plans, attitudes, policies, systems, resources and efforts of the people
of an organization working together, and that is designed to provide
reasonable assurance that the organization will achieve its objectives
and mission. The objectives of an internal control system include, but
are not limited to: the safeguarding of assets; checking the accuracy
and reliability of accounting data and financial reporting; promoting
the effectiveness and efficiency of operations; ensuring compliance with
applicable laws and regulations; and encouraging adherence to prescribed
managerial policies. Internal control review processes are used
periodically to evaluate the ongoing internal control system and to
assess and monitor the implementation of necessary corrective actions.

2. "Internal audit". An appraisal activity established by the
management of an organization for the review of operations as a means of
assuring conformance with management policies and the effectiveness of
internal control, and conducted in conformance with generally accepted
standards for internal auditing.

3. "State agency". Any state department, state university of New York,
city university of New York, board, bureau, division, commission,
committee, council, office or other governmental entity performing a
governmental or proprietary function for the state, or any combination
thereof as provided in subdivision two of section nine hundred fifty-one
of this article, except any public authority or public benefit
corporation, the judiciary or the state legislature.

4. "Judiciary". The courts and court-related programs, including the
office of court administration, of the state-funded portion of the
unified court system and all components thereof as provided in
subdivision two of section two hundred forty-nine-a of the judiciary
law.

5. "State legislature". The legislature of the state of New York,
including all components thereof as provided in subdivision two of
section ninety of the legislative law.

6. "Covered authority". Any public authority or public benefit
corporation, other than a bi-state authority or public benefit
corporation, a majority of whose members are appointed by the governor
or serve as members by virtue of holding state offices to which they
were appointed by the governor, or any combination thereof.