Burrows files three bills to address accountability of state agencies

By: Matt Dotray
Lubbock Avalanche Journal

Fresh off committee assignments, State Rep. Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock, on Tuesday introduced three bills related to spending and accountability of state agencies.

HB 1839 directs every state agency that makes legislative appropriations to prepare a report identifying how they could reduce expenditures from general revenue by 1, 5 and 10 percent.

HB 1840 says if a state agency requests a study from an institution of higher education, the state agency shall submit a report including the purpose of the study and the anticipated cost of the study.

HB 1841 directs the comptroller to conduct a study after each budget to determine the accuracy of the fiscal notes prepared by the Legislative Budget Board.

“Our state government – legislators and our state agencies – ought to be judged by how well we meet legitimate objective,” Burrows said in a news release. “These bills encourage proper budget planning and accountability. Like Texas families, our government entities must live within their means, and avoid surprises that affect financial solvency.”