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Committee introduces bill to restrict interagency transfers after initial budgets arrive
Summary
RS32167, sponsored by Representative Heather Scott, would close a loophole allowing transfers that move money between agencies after budgets are set; supporters said the bill improves transparency, opponents urged consultation with the governor’s office.
Representative Heather Scott (District 2) presented RS32167 to the Ways and Means Committee, saying the bill “will correct a big issue” uncovered in budget reviews and would close a loophole that permitted post-budget transfers that obscure agency spending.
Scott described recent transfers made in August after the budget period began, noting transfers from Health and Welfare into the governor’s budget and other accounts. She said the practice “confuses” budgeting and reduces transparency, and framed the bill as a measure to keep agency budgets distinct so the legislature can determine what each agency needs.
Several members debated the bill’s tone and outreach. Representative Monks and Representative Muntz defended the bill as necessary for legislative oversight and accountability: “When money is moved around hidden from us, I find that hostile,” Muntz said. Representative Crane and others said they would have preferred consulting the governor’s office before drafting legislation; Scott said she had not spoken to the governor’s office about this specific bill. Representative Monks cautioned against assuming lack of consultation by others.
The committee voted to introduce RS32167 by voice vote; the clerk recorded a nay during the roll but no detailed roll-call tally was provided in the transcript. The bill will move to formal hearings where specific statutory language and any executive-branch responses can be considered.
