AZ SB1236

Requires the director of the joint legislative budget committee to calculate and transmit a "truth in spending estimate" to legislative appropriations and finance committees by February 15 of each year, beginning in 2017.

Defines truth in spending estimate as current fiscal year general fund appropriations plus all other source appropriations, adjusted by population growth percentage and cost of living change percentage using the GDP price deflator.

Mandates that if a standing legislative committee votes to recommend a budget bill exceeding the truth in spending estimate, the committee must issue a press release within 24 hours notifying the public of the overage.

Requires the press release to identify the amount of appropriations mandated by court order and specify what percentage of the spending increase is due to court-ordered mandates.

Defines "budget bill" as the general appropriation bill for state departments, institutions, public schools, and public debt as prescribed by the Arizona Constitution.