SJR77 Summary

• Adopts an evidence-based budgeting process requiring state government accountability to taxpayers for program effectiveness and cost-benefit analysis of state-funded programs.

• Applies immediately to new programs or expansions of existing programs at 10 specified agencies: Medicaid Agency, Department of Corrections, Department of Mental Health, District Attorneys, Department of Human Resources, Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency, Board of Pardons and Paroles, Department of Public Health, Department of Senior Services, and Department of Agriculture and Industries.

• Requires agencies to establish program inventories including program name, description, participant demographics, measurable outcomes, duration, delivery setting, and detailed annual expenditures.

• Directs agencies to categorize each program as evidence-based (rigorous research demonstrating effectiveness), promising (some research supporting effectiveness), or research-based (requires additional research).

• Mandates submission of detailed proposals for any new or expanded program to finance officials and relevant legislative committees, with annual reporting by the Fiscal Division on program performance and recommendations for budget integration.