With no specific subject matter boundaries, the committee's primary charge is to examine "state government programs and their administration to ascertain whether such programs are effective, continue to serve their intended purposes, are conducted in an efficient and effective manner, or require modification or elimination." It may raise and report out bills related to these examinations.

Further, an agency subject to a program review must take necessary corrective action if the review cites inadequate operating or administrative system controls or procedures, inaccuracies, waste, extravagance, unauthorized or unintended activities or programs, or other deficiencies.

In addition, the committee is authorized to conduct investigations on "any matter" when required by a joint resolution of the General Assembly or, when the legislature is not in session, by a joint standing committee, or at its own initiative, subject to the approval of the Joint Committee on Legislative Management.

Finally, per P.A. 09-166, the committee is conducting a pilot study using results-based accountability principles. While the pilot is underway, the scheduled re-activation of Connecticut's Sunset Law, dormant since 1984, is postponed until 2012. (See C.G.S. Secs. 2c-1 to 2c-12).

The committee is supported by a staff of nonpartisan professional analysts that make up the Office of Program Review and Investigations.