Requires the budgeted amount and authorized positions for the current year to be placed adjacent to the appropriation and authorized positions for the next year in the General Appropriation Bill and other appropriation bills (EN NO IMPACT See Note)
Impact
The impact of HB 398 is set to streamline the budgeting process by requiring comparative statements that allow for a side-by-side view of appropriations and authorized positions from one fiscal year to another. This will aid in evaluating fiscal trends and making more informed decisions regarding budget allocations. By enhancing clarity in the budget, it may also facilitate better oversight by legislative members and stakeholders involved in state financial planning.
Summary
House Bill 398 amends existing Louisiana statutes regarding the General Appropriation Bill and other related appropriation bills. The bill mandates that the budgeted amounts and authorized positions for the existing fiscal year be placed adjacent to those for the upcoming fiscal year in the General Appropriation Bill. This change is intended to enhance the transparency and clarity of the budgetary process and ensure that lawmakers and the public can easily compare current and future budgetary items.
Sentiment
The sentiment around the bill appears to be largely positive among lawmakers, as it aims to improve government accountability and financial oversight. Legislative discussions have generally focused on the importance of transparency in budget processes, which is essential for taxpayer trust and effective governance. However, there may be caution among some stakeholders regarding the appropriateness of budgetary comparisons, as different fiscal years can have varying contexts that may not be easily comparable.
Contention
While there is broad support for making the budget process more transparent, discussions did highlight concerns about potential limitations in how these comparisons are presented. Some legislators argue that while the provisions of HB 398 aim for increased clarity, they may also inadvertently simplify complex budgetary issues. Thus, ensuring that the differences in budgetary contexts are adequately addressed in the new format will be crucial to the bill's successful implementation.
Provides for certain state appropriation bills and political subdivisions' budgets to compare the previous year's funding level. (1/1/11) (EN NO IMPACT See Note)
Requires certain information and analysis to be included in the governor's executive budget and the General Appropriation Bill (EN INCREASE GF EX See Note)
Requires spending due to constitutional or other mandates to be considered in a separate appropriation bill from spending that is not required to be funded if health care or higher education funding is reduced (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF RV See Note)
To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022.