THE BUDGET BILL - 6325

The Budget Bill is prepared by the Department of Finance and is submitted to the Legislature in January accompanying the Governor’s Budget. The Budget Bill is the Governor’s proposal for spending authorizations needed for the subsequent fiscal year. Spending authorizations proposed in the Budget Bill are in addition to spending authority contained in the constitution and other statutes. Each house will begin its legislative budget hearing process with this version of the bill, and make various changes to reflect its actions. The California Constitution requires the Legislature to pass the Budget Bill and send it to the Governor by midnight on June 15 each year for signature. The Budget Bill sent to the Governor must represent a balanced budget, as specified in the Constitution. After signature by the Governor, the Budget Bill becomes the Budget Act.