Bill > S2130

This bill establishes a permanent Legislative Fiscal Office (LFO) within the Massachusetts state government to provide independent fiscal analysis and support for the legislature. The office will be led by a director and deputy director appointed jointly by key state officials, including the Lieutenant Governor, Treasurer, Secretary of Administration and Finance, and chairs of the House and Senate Ways and Means Committees. The director, deputy director, and staff must have substantial experience in financial management, accounting, or related fields. The LFO's primary responsibilities include conducting fiscal analysis on proposed legislation, reviewing the governor's budget, and preparing an annual report detailing legislative appropriations, including budget information, supplemental budgets, bonds, tax incentives, and the fiscal impact of laws passed during the legislative session. While the office's findings and recommendations are not binding, they are intended to provide an independent assessment to help legislators make more cost-effective decisions. The office will be funded through an annual appropriation from the general fund, and its books and records will be subject to audit by the state auditor's office. Legislators can request cost reviews of proposed bills at any point during the legislative process, and such reviews must be completed before a bill is reported from its current committee.

Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2130