Bill > S1731

This bill mandates a new approach to state budgeting called "zero-based budgeting," which means that each agency and department's funding needs will be re-evaluated from scratch every four years, without considering previous budget amounts, even if adjusted for inflation. The Secretary of Administration and Finance, with the Governor's approval, will develop these detailed zero-based budget proposals, outlining necessary funding for cost-effective performance, specific tasks, and four-year goals and objectives. These proposals will then be sent to legislative committees for evaluation, including public testimony, before being reviewed by the Senate and House Committees on Ways and Means. These committees will hold public hearings and accept testimony for at least 30 days before jointly submitting their own zero-based budget estimate within 60 days. This estimate will be part of a joint resolution considered by the legislature, and if adopted, will guide annual budget decisions for the following four years.