Senate Finance committee adopts package of budget provisos, redirects funds and approves pilot programs

The Senate Finance and Ways and Means Committee on Monday adopted a package of budget provisos that will change how several state agencies may use previously appropriated funds, authorize short-term transfers and establish pilot programs.

Committee staff described each proviso and recommended action to the chairman and members; the committee approved most measures by voice vote. Committee staff said the packet was intended to conform budget language to current program activity, delete expired redirects and authorize limited pilot programs tied to earlier appropriations.

Among the measures the committee adopted, Committee staff reported that Section 44.2 in the Department of Agriculture will allow temporary fruits-and-vegetable inspectors to receive a $30 daily subsistence payment instead of separate meals-and-lodging reimbursements. Committee staff described the recommendation as "to adopt proviso as amended." The committee approved the change.

The panel also approved a new proviso for the Forestry Commission that would authorize the treasurer and comptroller general to transfer up to $3,000,000 from the emergency reserve fund to cover response…