The state ethics and elections watchdog will have as much money as it needs to conduct investigations of lawmakers under a compromise budget plan for 2009-11.

Senate Democrats had sought to authorize the Government Accountability Board to spend up to $31,100 annually for investigations, although more would be available with legislative approval.

That would contrast with current law, in which the board gets as much money as it needs for investigations without asking lawmakers for approval.

Critics said the Senate proposal would have curtailed the board's ability to pursue ethics and elections complaints against lawmakers.

But an agreement between the Senate and the Assembly announced Thursday adopted current law for the two years starting July 1.

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