Plain English Summary
This bill requires North Carolina to transition to zero-based budgeting for state agencies, starting with a phased implementation beginning in fiscal year 2027-2028 and completing by the 2031-2033 fiscal biennium. Under zero-based budgeting, agencies must justify all spending from scratch each budget cycle rather than starting from their previous year's budget amount.
Arguments in Favor
Supporters argue that zero-based budgeting promotes fiscal responsibility by requiring agencies to justify every dollar spent and eliminate wasteful or outdated programs. They contend this approach can identify inefficiencies, prevent automatic continuation of low-priority spending, and ensure taxpayer money is used for the most cost-effective services.
Arguments Against
Opponents argue that zero-based budgeting is time-consuming and resource-intensive, requiring agencies to rebuild their entire budget requests from zero each cycle rather than adjusting existing budgets. They worry this process could divert staff attention from core functions, create uncertainty for ongoing essential services, and potentially lead to administrative costs that outweigh savings.
AI-generated analysis based on bill text. Always verify with official sources at ncleg.gov. This is not legal or political advice.
Sponsors
Primary Sponsor
Representative · District 75
Primary Sponsor
Representative · District 62
Primary Sponsor
Representative · District 76
Primary Sponsor
Representative · District 111
Cosponsors (14)
Representative · District 5
Representative · District 84
Representative · District 86
Representative · District 85
Representative · District 109
Representative · District 64
Representative · District 94
Representative · District 117
Representative · District 70
Representative · District 74
Representative · District 78
Representative · District 82
Representative · District 79
Representative · District 73