Requires that the governor's article 7 appropriation bills be specifically itemized to assure accountability

1 Co-sponsor

• Martin Malavé Dilan

BILL NUMBER:S1843

Title of bill

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND ASSEMBLY proposing an amendment to section 3 of article 7 of the constitution, in relation to requiring that the appropriations bills submitted to the legislature by the governor set forth with enough specificity each appropriation

Purpose

To ensure accountability of public funds by requiring that all appropriations bills be specifically itemized by the purpose for which the funds are to be used.

Summary of provisions

This resolution proposes a constitutional amendment (article 7, section 3) to ensure accountability of public funds by requiring that all appropriations bills be specifically itemized by the purpose for which the funds are to be used. The specifications must be in plain language and refer to the commonly used names of the programs that are to receive the funds and the provision of law authorizing them.

Justification

It has become common practice for state budget bills to appropriate funds in broad and vague categories that do not identify with any specificity or clarity what programs the funds are to be used for and the statutory authorization for the programs. Some bills, such as the legislative appropriations bills in particular, as couched in vague generalizations. The current system reduces the opportunity for legislators and the public to understand and provide meaningful input into the budget process. It also reduces accountability in the use of public funds.

Legislative history

04/07/09 REFERRED TO JUDICIARY 04/17/09 TO ATTORNEY-GENERAL FOR OPINION 05/08/09 OPINION REFERRED TO JUDICIARY 01/06/10 REFERRED TO JUDICIARY 01/12/10 TO ATTORNEY-GENERAL FOR OPINION 02/02/10 OPINION REFERRED TO JUDICIARY

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

Resolved (if the concur), That the foregoing be referred to the first regular legislative session convening after the next succeeding general election of members of the assembly, and, in conformity with section 1 of article 19 of the constitution, be published for 3 months previous to the time of such election.