Bill > SB297

This bill amends the Accountability in Government Act to require state agencies to identify and prioritize programs and sub-programs that are evidence-based, research-based, or promising in their budget requests. Evidence-based programs are defined as those demonstrated to be effective through scientifically based research and replicable procedures, and ideally cost-beneficial, meaning their benefits outweigh their costs. Research-based programs have some research showing effectiveness, while promising programs show potential for future effectiveness. Agencies will need to inventory their sub-programs, detailing their goals, spending, target populations, outcomes, and evidence of effectiveness or cost-benefit. This information will be used by the state budget division and the legislative finance committee to inform budget recommendations, potentially including incentives or disincentives for agencies based on their implementation of these evidence-based approaches.