JFAC debates and passes language for LSO review and budget timing; 1 new bill-drafting FTE fails in committee Senate vote

On March 24 the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee approved language asking the governor to transmit the 2027 budget recommendation earlier to the legislative branch, directed the Legislative Services Office to conduct a statewide review of interagency reimbursements, and to explore a new statewide budget-submission platform. The committee carried the language as shown on the screen by roll call (19 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent excused combined).

Separately, the committee considered a motion to add one FTE and $129,000 to the Legislative Services Office for an additional bill-drafting attorney. Proponents said increased bill-drafting workload and late delivery of executive budgets had strained existing staff and that a drafter would help the committee meet its own drafting needs without competing with executive-branch requests. Opponents said agencies have had FTP reductions and the Legislature should hold itself to the same standards.

The roll call on the staffing motion produced a House majority in favor but not a Senate majority in committee: the Senate vote was 4 ayes and 6 nays (failed in Senate committee), the House vote was 9 ayes and 1 nay, producing a combined total of 13 ayes and 7 nays. Committee staff recorded that because the motion did not carry a Senate majority it will be forwarded to the Senate for consideration.

Committee discussion also asked the LSO to explore options for billing agencies for drafting work done on executive-branch legislation and to pursue a statewide review of interagency billing to reduce duplicate reimbursements.