§41-20-8. Procedure for review and evaluation of agencies - Zero-based review and evaluation.

(a) In conjunction with the criteria enumerated in Section 41-20-7, one criterion which may be used in determining sufficient public need in such public hearings shall be a "zero-based review and evaluation." A "zero-based review and evaluation" shall be a comprehensive review and evaluation to determine if the merits of the agency support continuation rather than termination and a finding as to what amounts of funding, if any, shall be authorized to produce correspondingly greater or lesser levels of responsibility and service output. Such a procedure shall necessitate the review and evaluation of all powers, duties and functions which currently are exercised by the agency as well as any request for additions to said powers, duties or functions when reviewing the sufficient public need of the agency.

(b) Said "zero-based review and evaluation" shall include, but not be limited to, the following factors:

(1) An identification of other agencies having the same or similar objective, along with a comparison of the cost and effectiveness of said agencies, and any duplication of the agency under review;

(2) An identification of any agency which has not received and expended state tax dollar revenues within a period of two years prior to said hearings;

(3) An examination of the extent to which the objectives of the agency have been achieved in comparison with the objectives as initially set forth in the enabling legislation and an analysis of any significant variance between projected and actual performance;

(4) A specification, to the extent feasible, in quantitative terms of the objectives of said agency for the next four years; and

(5) An examination of the impact of said agency on the economy of the state.

(Acts 1976, No. 512, p. 641, §9; Acts 1981, No. 81-61, p. 74, §1.)