(a) An annual performance audit of the vehicle information processing system (VIPS) and the Kansas computer assisted mass appraisal system (KS CAMA), at the state and county levels, shall be conducted either by the legislative post auditor or by a firm, as defined by Kan. Stat. Ann. § 46-1112, and amendments thereto, under contract with the legislative post auditor in accordance with the provisions of the legislative post audit act. Such audit shall include a review of the operations, maintenance or improvements of the equipment and software of the VIPS and KS CAMA systems. The audit report shall be submitted to the legislature at the commencement of the regular sessions of the legislature held during 1997, 1998 and 1999.

(b) The auditor to conduct the audit work required under this section shall be specified in accordance with Kan. Stat. Ann. § 46-1122, and amendments thereto. If the legislative post audit committee specifies under such statute that a firm is to perform such audit, such firm shall be selected and shall perform such audit as provided in Kan. Stat. Ann. § 46-1123, and amendments thereto and Kan. Stat. Ann. §§ 46-1125 through 46-1127, and amendments thereto. If the audit work is conducted under contract with a firm, the contract cost of the audit shall be paid by the department of revenue.