STATE EXPENDITURES:  SEARCHABLE DATABASE

House Bill 4096

Sponsor:  Rep. Kevin Cotter

Committee:  Oversight, Reform, and Ethics

Complete to 5-7-12

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 4096 AS INTRODUCED 1-18-11

House Bill 4096 would amend the Management and Budget Act (MCL 18.1101 et al) to require the creation of a searchable database that lists all state expenditures.

Under the bill, the Department of Technology, Management, and Budget would issue directives to require that all state agencies provide the department with the following information regarding the expenditure of state funds:

·                     the name and principal location of the entity receiving the funds

·                     the amount of state funds

·                     the type of transaction

·                     the funding state agency

·                     the budget source of the funds

·                     a descriptive purpose of the funding action or expenditure

·                     any other information required by the department

Not later than January 1, 2012, the DTMB would be required to develop and operate a searchable website accessible by the public at no cost, to access the information provided (as described above).  The bill specifies, however, that information considered confidential by state or federal law would not be disclosed.  The bill defines "expenditure of state funds" to mean the expenditures of all appropriated or non-appropriated funds by a state agency that includes, but is not limited to, state purchases, contract and subcontracts, and grants.

FISCAL IMPACT:

House 4096 would increase costs for all state agencies.  All state agencies would incur administrative and data collection costs to comply with the Department of Technology, Management, and Budget directive required under the provisions of the bill.  It is unknown whether these increased costs would be absorbed under current appropriation levels.

The Department of Technology, Management, and Budget would be required to create a searchable website.  The department would incur certain startup costs in the creation of the website, but no estimate as to cost has been provided at this time.  Additionally, the department would incur certain administrative and website maintenance costs on an ongoing basis.

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   J. Hunault

                                                                                                   Fiscal Analyst:   Ben Gielczyk

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.