JFAC approves supplemental appropriations and FY2026 enhancements across state agencies; one ombudsman request fails in House

The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee met Feb. 14 and approved a string of supplemental appropriations and FY2026 enhancement motions affecting multiple state agencies, while one funding motion for the Office of Health and Social Services Ombudsman failed to secure House support.

The committee approved one-time and ongoing adjustments that included reimbursements for hazardous-material cleanup, funding to install public-safety communications systems and upgrades to the Military Division—s IT infrastructure, transfers to support hazardous-materials regional response teams, and multiple agency enhancement packages for veterans services, agriculture, finance, insurance and education special programs. Most motions carried with bipartisan support; the ombudsman funding motion passed in the Senate but did not obtain a majority in the House.

Votes at a glance (motion text condensed; outcome and vote tally): - Hazardous substance response reimbursement: one-time appropriation and transfer of $34,200 from the general fund to the Hazardous Substance Emergency Response Fund for FY2025. Outcome: approved; total 20 ayes, 0 nays, 0 absent/excused. - Military Division — Public safety communications support: one-time appropriation of $540,001 from the general fund for installation support. Outcome: approved; total 20 ayes, 0 nays, 0 absent/excused. - Military Division — IT infrastructure upgrade: one-time appropriation of $759,200 from the general fund to upgrade…