Maine agencies would use zero-based budgeting every 10 years

State budget documents would have to use zero-based budgeting for each department and agency at least once every 10 years. It covers departments and other agencies in Maine’s executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The requirement applies to budget documents for fiscal years 2027–28 and 2028–29, with each department and agency using this method at least once every 10 years.

The Department of Administrative and Financial Services would review state budget laws and submit proposed changes to the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee. The review concerns Maine Revised Statutes, Title 5, chapter 149, and budget processes for state agencies. The proposed legislation would set out a system for reviewing agencies and using other budget methods between zero-based budget years, including requiring agencies to propose funding reductions of at least 5% and 10%. The committee could report a bill based on the department’s submission, but would not have to; the review and submission would not themselves put those proposed rules in place. The department would review the laws by January 1, 2026, and submit legislation by January 15, 2026.