Legislature: 2-year budget.
This constitutional amendment has broad implications for the governance and administration of the state's finances. Primarily, it seeks to require the Governor to submit a budget covering two fiscal years every odd-numbered year, thereby mandating that the Legislature passes a two-year budget bill within certain time frames. The change aims to simplify budgeting processes, potentially improving efficiency in fiscal management by allowing legislative committees to focus on the budget and related emergencies. Additionally, it attempts to bring more stability to funding structures by implementing a performance-based budgeting system for selected state agencies every odd year.
Senate Constitutional Amendment No. 4, introduced by Senator Wilk, proposes a significant alteration in the legislative budgeting process and aims to amend the California Constitution concerning how the state budget is formulated and passed. Under this amendment, the Legislature would operate on a biennial budget cycle, wherein it would limit its focus during the first year of the legislative session to only the Budget Bill and a maximum of five additional bills introduced by standing committees. This change is intended to streamline the budget approval process and enforce a two-year budgeting period, enhancing predictability in state funding.
However, there are notable points of contention regarding this proposed change. Critics may argue that such a restrictive approach could hinder the Legislature's ability to address pressing issues in their second year due to the lack of new legislation outside the budget scope. Opponents could also highlight concerns over the long-term impacts of performance-based budgeting, questioning how well it accounts for the needs of various state agencies and populations. Moreover, with the budget's operational provisions set to become effective on December 2, 2024, the amendment raises questions about fiscal year preparations and the broader implications for the state’s commitment to responsive governance.