Exploring New Budget Authority: A Comprehensive Legal Overview

Q: How does new budget authority affect government agencies?

It impacts how agencies allocate resources and plan their budgets for various programs and services.

Q: Can I manage budget authority issues myself?

Yes, with the right tools, such as legal templates from US Legal Forms, you can manage budget authority documentation effectively.

Definition & Meaning

The term "new budget authority" refers to the funds that become available for use during a specific fiscal year. This includes:

Budget authority that is newly available for obligation within that year, which can also include funds that are made available due to re-appropriation.
Changes in the availability of un-obligated balances from previous years, which result from new laws effective in the current year.
Adjustments to the estimated levels of new budget authority that are provided in indefinite amounts by existing laws.

Table of content

Legal Use & context

New budget authority is primarily used in the context of federal budgeting and finance. It plays a crucial role in how government agencies plan and allocate resources for various programs and services. This term is relevant in areas such as:

Public finance
Government accountability
Administrative law

Users may encounter this term when dealing with budget-related forms or procedures, particularly when managing government contracts or grants. Legal templates from US Legal Forms can assist in navigating these processes effectively.

Key legal elements

Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Here are two examples of how new budget authority might be applied:

A federal agency receives a new allocation of funds for a public health initiative that becomes available for the fiscal year 2024. This is classified as new budget authority.
A law passed in 2024 allows a state to carry over un-obligated funds from its 2023 budget, which can now be used in 2024 due to the new law. (hypothetical example)

Relevant laws & statutes

The primary legal reference for new budget authority can be found in the U.S. Code, specifically:

2 U.S.C. § 622, which outlines the definition and parameters of budget authority.

Common misunderstandings

What to do if this term applies to you

If you are involved in budgeting or financial planning for a government agency, it is essential to understand how new budget authority affects your operations. Consider the following steps:

Review your agency's budget allocations for the fiscal year.
Consult with financial officers to understand any changes in budget authority.
Utilize legal templates from US Legal Forms to streamline the documentation process.
If the situation is complex, seek professional legal advice to ensure compliance with relevant laws.

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Quick facts

Attribute	Details
Definition	Funds newly available for obligation in a fiscal year
Legal Reference	2 U.S.C. § 622
Re-appropriation	Funds can be re-appropriated and still qualify as new budget authority
Un-obligated Balances	Changes in prior year balances can affect new budget authority

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

What is new budget authority?

New budget authority refers to funds that become available for obligation in a specific fiscal year, including re-appropriated funds and changes in un-obligated balances.