House Finance Committee advances amended state operating bill to Rules, 19-10

The House Finance Committee on April 8 accepted an omnibus amendment to the state operating bill and voted 19-10 to favorably report amended substitute House Bill 96 to the Rules and Reference Committee.

Committee Chair Stewart opened the session noting the schedule set in earlier hearings and thanked members for staying to meet deadlines: "I wanna thank all the members for helping us, stay on that schedule, meet all those deadlines, and stick to the plan." Vice Chair Davila moved to amend the substitute with amendment 2698-1; the committee accepted the omnibus amendment and later moved to report the amended substitute and recommend its passage.

Ranking Member Sweeney, who said his caucus would not endorse the bill, acknowledged the committee's process: "I did want to acknowledge that since I started in 2018, I have voted for every budget so far. And I, unfortunately, our caucus will not be here yet." Chair Stewart and members noted the bill incorporates many changes from member input and public testimony. The committee granted the Legislative Service Commission harmonizing authority for the committee report. The clerk recorded 19 affirmative votes and 10 negative votes; the chair announced that the bill will be sent to Rules and Reference and that omnibus copies would be posted online.

The committee also instructed members who wished to have their vote counted to sign the attendance sheet and to place an asterisk if they wished to be listed as cosponsors. The committee adjourned after the vote and LSC harmonizing authority was granted for the report.

Ending: The bill now moves to the Rules and Reference Committee; additional debate and the final floor vote will occur during the regular session schedule.