Alabama Constitution Section 72 - Payment of money out of state treasury; publication of annual statement of receipts and expenditures.
Alabama Constitution – Section 72
Title: Payment of money out of state treasury; publication of annual statement of receipts and expenditures.
Full Text:
Section 72.
No money shall be drawn from the treasury but in pursuance of an appropriation made by law; and a regular statement and account of the receipts and expenditures of all public money shall be published annually.
Explanation:
This section establishes key financial accountability and transparency measures for the State of Alabama:
🔹 1. Money Only Spent by Law (Appropriation Requirement):
No funds can be spent from the state treasury unless the legislature passes a law (an appropriation) authorizing that spending.
Prevents unauthorized or arbitrary use of public funds by any government official or agency.
Ensures the legislature controls state spending, not the executive branch or individual departments.
🔹 2. Annual Publication of Financial Records:
The state must publish a detailed annual report showing:
All income (receipts),
All expenses (expenditures),
Covering all public money (tax revenue, fees, grants, etc.).
Promotes financial transparency and allows the public to track how their tax dollars are used.
Purpose:
To ensure fiscal responsibility.
To prevent corruption and misuse of funds.
To promote public trust through openness in financial matters.
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