Budgeting Accountability and Transparency
Plain English Summary
This bill increases transparency and public participation in North Carolina's state budget process by requiring at least one week of public comment time, public hearings, and committee meetings before budget votes, and by making legislative budget requests public records once the budget becomes law. The bill allocates $250,000 annually to support these new requirements.
Arguments in Favor
Supporters argue this bill reduces backroom dealing and allows taxpayers to see how their money is spent and who requested specific funding. They contend that greater transparency helps prevent wasteful spending, increases government accountability, and gives the public meaningful opportunities to participate in decisions that directly affect state services and taxes.
Arguments Against
Opponents worry that publicizing individual budget requests could discourage honest legislative deliberation, expose legislators to pressure from special interests, and slow down the budget process with additional procedural requirements. They also argue the bill may reveal sensitive negotiations and strategic legislative positions, potentially weakening legislators' bargaining power during budget negotiations.
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 50
Primary Sponsor
Representative · District 30
Primary Sponsor
Representative · District 61
Primary Sponsor
Representative · District 18
Cosponsors (15)
Representative · District 39
Representative · District 115
Representative · District 48
Representative · District 71
Representative · District 41
Representative · District 27
Representative · District 40
Representative · District 100
Representative · District 36
Representative · District 88
Representative · District 57
Representative · District 60
Representative · District 32
Representative · District 101
Representative · District 11