APPROPRIATIONS: Limits the amount of money that may be appropriated in a fiscal year. (Item #14)(See Act) (OR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

This bill establishes a "Government Growth Limit" that restricts how much money the state can spend from its general fund and dedicated funds each year. The limit is calculated by the Revenue Estimating Conference based on recent trends in Louisiana's population growth and national changes in consumer and medical prices. If the calculated limit is lower than the previous year's spending, the state cannot increase recurring expenses beyond that cap unless the governor submits a separate proposal for specific programs. The bill also clarifies that any spending above the limit must be for nonrecurring expenses, such as one-time costs, rather than ongoing operational needs.