OLR Bill Analysis

HB 6476

AN ACT CONCERNING A PROGRAM REVIEW AND INVESTIGATIONS COMMITTEE PILOT PROGRAM UTILIZING RESULTS-BASED ACCOUNTABILITY.

SUMMARY:

This bill requires the Program Review and Investigations Committee (PRI) to assess selected human service programs using results-based accountability (RBA) methods. The entities operating these programs must cooperate with the committee and provide the information it needs to assess the programs. The committee must report to the Appropriations Committee about the program by January 15, 2010.

The bill delays, for two years, PRI's review of agencies and programs the sunset law terminates on specified dates. The termination happens after the review unless the legislature reestablishes the programs.

EFFECTIVE DATE: Upon passage

RESULTS-BASED ACCOUNTABILITY PILOT

The bill requires PRI to assess human services programs on a pilot basis using results-based accountability methods. In selecting the programs, PRI must consult with the Human Services Committee and the Appropriations subcommittee for Human Services.

In implementing the pilot, PRI must apply the bill's definition of RBA. RBA is a way to plan and budget funds for a program and measure its performance. It does these things by focusing on the extent to which the programs help produce the quality of life the state desires for its citizens. It identifies the performance measures and indicators showing the progress the state is making toward achieving that goal. It also identifies other programs and partners contributing to that end.

The entities running the programs must cooperate with PRI in its assessment. They must provide any books, records, and documents the committee needs to assess the programs' effectiveness.

PRI must report to the Appropriations Committee about the pilot program by January 15, 2010. The report must recommend whether to modify or terminate the programs and evaluate the effectiveness of the RBA methods. In evaluating the methods, PRI must recommend if they should be continued, expanded, or modified.

SUNSET REVIEW

The sunset law automatically terminates 78 licensing, regulatory, and other state agencies and programs on set dates unless the legislature reestablishes them. But PRI must first review the public need for each entity according to specified criteria and recommend to the legislature if the entity should be abolished, reestablished, modified, or consolidated. The bill delays for two years the entities' termination date as follows:

COMMITTEE ACTION

Program Review and Investigations Committee

Joint Favorable Change of Reference

Government Administration and Elections Committee

Joint Favorable