HB76 Summary

• Establishes the Budget Accountability Act to prohibit state agencies from expending funds at the explicit direction of a legislator when not specified in a line-item appropriation (pass-through appropriations).

• Defines "pass-through appropriations" as state fund expenditures directed by a legislator or their representative, excluding federal/state grants, Chapter 24 of Title 41 expenditures, and transfers between state entities for the same program.

• Makes agency directors, assistant directors, executive assistants, or similar subordinates guilty of a Class C misdemeanor for knowingly performing or permitting pass-through appropriations.

• Requires agency officials to report explicit directives regarding pass-through appropriations to their superior, the Governor, and the Alabama Ethics Commission, with copies to the involved legislator and presiding officers of each house.

• Explicitly protects the right of legislators and citizens to lobby for or offer support for legal and valid agency programs without violating the act.