Compare Bills
Put two bills side by side — summaries, sponsors, arguments, and votes.
H178Change ✕
Budgeting Accountability and Transparency
IntroducedHouse
Primary Sponsor
Deb ButlerDemocratLast Action
Ref To Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House2025-02-25
Vote Breakdown
No floor votes recorded.
Plain Language Summary
This bill increases transparency and public participation in North Carolina's state budget process by requiring at least one week of public comment, public hearings, and multiple committee meetings before budget votes, and by making public the communications between legislators and agencies requesting specific budget provisions or funding once the budget becomes law.
Arguments in Favor
- •Supporters argue this bill enhances democratic accountability by allowing citizens to weigh in on how taxpayer money is spent and by revealing which legislators requested specific budget items.
- •They contend that increased transparency reduces backroom dealing, helps identify wasteful spending, and empowers voters to make informed decisions about their representatives' budget priorities.
Arguments Against
- •Opponents worry the bill could slow the budget process with mandatory waiting periods and multiple meetings, potentially delaying essential government funding.
- •They also express concern that publicizing budget requests could create political pressure or discourage candid legislative discussions, and may expose legitimate requests to public criticism that disrupts the negotiation process needed to pass budgets.
Second Bill
Search for a bill to compare
Select a bill in each panel to see them compared side by side.