Budgeting Accountability and Transparency.

SB 294 requires greater public involvement in North Carolina's state budget process. It mandates at least one week for virtual public comments, one in-person public hearing, and three nonvoting committee meetings before key budget votes. The bill also removes confidentiality for budget-related communications between state agencies, legislators, and legislative staff, making these documents public records once the budget is enacted. These changes apply to the Current Operations Appropriations Act for fiscal years starting after the bill takes effect.