Bill > S1839

This bill establishes a legislative fiscal office to serve as a service agency for the legislature. The office will consist of a director, deputy director, and staff with experience in financial management, accounting, or related fields. The office will research and provide analysis to legislators, legislative staff, and committees on the fiscal impact of proposed legislation or the state budget. The office's findings and recommendations are not binding on the legislature but provide an independent assessment of costs and proposals for statutory changes to produce more cost-effective and efficient proposals. Legislators can request a review of the costs of a proposed bill at any time during the legislative process, and the review must be completed before the bill is reported out of its current committee. The office will also analyze the governor's proposed budget and prepare an annual report detailing all legislative appropriations, including the final fiscal year budget, supplemental budgets, bonds, tax incentives, and the fiscal impact of bills signed into law. The funds for the office's operations will be appropriated by the legislature from the state general fund, and its books and records will be subject to audit by the state auditor's office.

Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S1839