Bill > H178

This bill introduces new transparency and accountability measures for the state budget process in North Carolina. Section 1 establishes new rules for adopting the Current Operations Appropriations Act, requiring the General Assembly to provide at least one week of public comment through an online portal, hold a public hearing, conduct at least three nonvoting committee meetings to discuss the budget, and provide legislators with a copy of the Act and Committee Report at least five legislative days before voting. Section 2 mandates that all budget-related communications between state agencies, individual legislators, legislative employees, and other legislators become public records once the Current Operations Appropriations Act is enacted, with a specific exemption to protect attorney-client privilege and work product doctrine. The bill aims to increase transparency in the budget-making process by giving the public more opportunities to provide input and access to legislative budget communications, while ensuring that sensitive legal communications remain protected. The provisions will apply to the Current Operations Appropriations Act for the fiscal year beginning after the bill becomes law.

Government Affairs

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H178