"Zero-Based Budget Act;" requires State Treasurer to develop and integrate certain zero-based budgeting practices and procedures in preparation and submission of Governor's annual budget message.

This bill (A 4356, "Zero-Based Budget Act") requires New Jersey's State Treasurer to develop a zero-based budgeting process for the Governor's annual budget. It mandates that all state spending agencies (including departments, boards, and commissions) justify every funding request from scratch each year - detailing goals, cost breakdowns at current and minimum service levels, stakeholder impacts, and program prioritization - rather than basing requests on prior year spending. The process, to be implemented for fiscal years starting July 2020, aims to ensure every dollar allocated is evaluated for efficiency and necessity. This directly affects all state agencies submitting budget requests under existing law (P.L.1944, c.112).