HB293 Summary

• Amends the Budget Management Act of 1976 to establish biennial budgeting for Alabama state government with alternating budget cycles: even-numbered years for basic appropriations and government operations, odd-numbered years for education funding.

• Requires the Department of Finance to produce monthly financial reports on the State General Fund and Education Trust Fund, released no later than the final day of the month following the reporting month, with details on revenues, expenditures, and fund balances.

• Establishes annual fiscal sessions limited to 12 legislative days and 35 calendar days beginning the second Tuesday in April, with the Governor submitting budget proposals on or before the second Tuesday in March.

• Creates a Division of Planning within the Finance Department and requires state agencies to submit annual operating plans and performance reports to the Department of Finance, with unexpended funds from the first year of a biennial budget period authorized to carry forward to the second year.

• Increases criminal penalties for presenting false budget or fiscal information to legislative committees from a maximum $1,000 fine to $10,000 and creates permanent ineligibility for state positions upon a second conviction; effectiveness is contingent upon voter approval of a related constitutional amendment.