Senate finance committee backs bill requiring GROW trust evaluation plans

Representative Charlotte Little told the Senate Finance Committee HB158 would require agencies that receive appropriations from the GROW expendable trust to develop accountability and evaluation plans and submit them to the State Budget Division director and the Legislative Finance Committee. Rachel Garcia, deputy director of the Legislative Finance Committee for program evaluation, said LFC endorses the bill and will review plans that agencies submit.

Senators asked whether agencies currently perform the necessary measurement and whether LFC or DFA would be staffed to review plans. Garcia said the bill places development and execution of evaluation plans with agencies while establishing a partnership with DFA and LFC for oversight and review; she noted a Senate finance substitute to House Bill 2 provides appropriations intended to allow agencies to implement evaluations.

Senator Padilla moved the committee recommendation for a 'do pass' and Senator Tobias seconded. The clerk called the roll; the transcript records Senators Brandt, Campos, Gonzales, Padilla, Steinborn, Tobias, Woods, Shando and Munoz voting in favor, with Senators Lanier and Trujillo recorded as excused. The committee reported a 'do pass' recommendation in the transcript.