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JBC approves content for two program repeal bills, citing general‑fund savings
Summary
The Joint Budget Committee voted to approve bill content to repeal the rural behavioral health voucher program and the school mental health screening program, recording estimated general‑fund savings of roughly $50,000 and about $2.8 million respectively; both votes passed unanimously on content approval.
The Joint Budget Committee on March 17 approved the content of two bill drafts that would repeal existing behavioral‑health programs and reduce general‑fund spending. The committee approved content to repeal the rural behavioral health voucher program and to repeal the school mental health screening program; both content approvals passed on unanimous voice votes.
The rural voucher repeal was presented as an initial bill draft and identified as the program created by Senate Bill 21137. JBC staff said that repeal of that voucher program would produce about $50,000 in general‑fund savings. For the school mental health screening program, the presenter said the repeal would save approximately $2.8 million in general fund compared to prior figure‑setting estimates.
The committee approved the content of both drafts for further drafting and possible inclusion with other legislation. The record shows the committee treated the items as content approvals (approval of language to be drafted), not final adoptions. Both content motions passed 6–0 during the meeting.
Why it matters: The actions cut recurring or anticipated spending streams that had been added in earlier sessions. The committee recorded the projected near‑term general‑fund savings on the record and moved the proposals forward as bill drafts; further committee or floor action will be required to make either repeal final.
Votes at a glance: - Repeal: Rural behavioral health voucher program (described as created by Senate Bill 21137) — Motion: approve content for bill draft; outcome: approved, 6–0. Stated savings: ~$50,000 general fund. - Repeal: School mental health screening program (statute enacted by a 2023 House bill, bill number not specified in the committee record) — Motion: approve content for bill draft; outcome: approved, 6–0. Stated savings: ~$2.8 million general fund (presenter said the figure was higher than earlier estimate).
Ending: The committee’s approvals were content approvals to allow drafting and possible combination with other bills; neither repeal was enacted at the meeting, and each will require later legislative action to become law.
