Bill > S1544

This bill mandates a shift towards zero-based budgeting for state government agencies, meaning that each budget request will start from a zero dollar amount and justify all proposed spending based on the cost-effective achievement of specific tasks and goals, rather than relying on previous budget levels. The Secretary of Administration and Finance, with the Governor's approval, will develop these zero-based budget estimates every four years, outlining agency tasks, goals, and performance measures for up to four years. These estimates will then be reviewed by relevant legislative committees, which will hold public hearings and accept testimony before the Senate and House Committees on Ways and Means develop and submit their own zero-based budget estimate within 60 days. This estimate will be incorporated into a joint resolution, and if adopted, will guide the General Court's annual budget considerations for the following four years, promoting greater transparency and accountability in state spending.