Enacts new GS 143C-3-3.1 to require the Governor, commencing with the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2017, to begin the implementation of a zero-based budget (as defined in the act). Requires a schedule for a four-year phase in. Requires the Governor to identify which agencies are required to submit a zero based budget for each of the four fiscal years and sets out requirements for those agencies. 

Amends GS 143C-3-5, Budget recommendations and budget message, to require beginning with 2017‑18 that the Governor present budget recommendations to the General Assembly that include zero-based budgets for certain state agencies identified by the Governor; requires that beginning with 2021‑22, the entire budget for the 2021‑23 fiscal biennium be a zero‑based budget.