Requires that the governor submit a zero-based budget to the general assembly with the zero-based budget phased in over a five (5) year period, commencing with the fiscal budget year of July 1, 2027.

Rhode Island Zero-Based Budgeting Bill

This bill would change how Rhode Island creates its state budget each year. Currently, the state typically starts with last year's spending as a baseline and adjusts from there. Under this bill, the governor would instead be required to submit a zero-based budget to the General Assembly — meaning every state program and expense would have to be rebuilt and justified from scratch each year, starting from zero dollars rather than from whatever was spent the previous year.

The change would be phased in gradually over five years, beginning with the fiscal year that starts July 1, 2027. This phased approach means the full zero-based budgeting process wouldn't happen all at once, giving state agencies time to adjust to the new requirements.

This bill would primarily affect how state government agencies and departments operate. Every program — whether it involves education, transportation, public health, or any other service — would need to demonstrate its value and justify its funding each budget cycle rather than automatically receiving continued funding. In theory, this could make it easier to identify programs that are no longer effective or necessary. The process would also affect state budget staff and lawmakers, who would need to review a significantly more detailed and comprehensive budget document each year.

The bill has been introduced in the Rhode Island Senate and referred to the Senate Finance Committee, where it will be reviewed before any further action is taken.