S 1708 New Jersey Senate · 2026-2027 Regular Session

"Zero-Based Budget Act;" requires State Treasurer to develop and integrate certain zero-based budgeting practices and procedures in preparation and submission of Governor's annual budget message.

This bill requires New Jersey's State Treasurer to create a zero-based budgeting process for the Governor's annual budget. It directly affects all state spending agencies that submit budget requests, mandating they justify every funding request from scratch - without assuming prior year allocations - by detailing goals, activities, legal authority, cost estimates, and impact assessments. Key provisions include requiring agencies to submit itemized spending justifications, evaluate minimum service levels, and rank programs based on their ability to meet agency objectives. The process must be implemented for budgets starting July 1, 2012, ensuring each tax dollar is evaluated for cost-effectiveness and necessity.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 13, 2026 Last action Jan 13, 2026
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Jan 13, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Parker Space
Parker Space
RRepublican
NJ
24