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Committee OKs bill requiring evaluation plans for GROW-funded pilot programs
Summary
The Rules Committee approved a due-pass recommendation for House Bill 181, which would require agencies to develop front-end accountability and evaluation plans for three-year pilot projects funded through the GROW fund so the legislature can assess whether investments achieve intended outcomes.
A representative presented House Bill 181, a bill that would require agencies to include an evaluation and accountability plan when seeking GROW Fund appropriations for three-year pilot programs. The presentation listed required elements of the plan: goals and outcomes, how program activities will achieve outcomes, research evidence, monitoring and evaluation plans, methods for statistical analysis, and timelines for reporting results.
Supporters and participating legislators emphasized that front-end evaluation plans are essential to determine whether the funded pilots work and whether they should be continued or discontinued after the pilot period. Senator Brantley said evaluation is “arguably the most important piece” of the GROW Fund process. Representative sponsors said the plan would not replace legislative oversight but would inform legislative decisions and LFC reporting.
Committee members asked what would happen if an agency did not submit the evaluation plan; sponsor and staff responded the plan would be a required component of appropriation requests. Senators also discussed collaboration between DFA and LFC to jointly develop meaningful measures and ensure agencies are consulted on the performance measures being adopted.
Senator Townsend moved a due-pass recommendation; the committee approved the motion. The bill will proceed with the committee’s support and sponsors indicated they will continue work to clarify agency collaboration on measures and reporting timelines.
