Ways and Means moves SB181 favorably; SB101 set aside after discussion

The Ways and Means Committee voted to move Senate Bill 181 favorably for passage and set aside Senate Bill 101 for further work after extended discussion.

SB 181: limiting annual expenditures and transfers from the State General Fund

Senator Fagg (mover) moved to report Senate Bill 181 favorably for passage; Senator Peck seconded. Following discussion of concerns from some members about limits on future legislatures and impacts on school funding, the motion carried on a voice vote. Senator Patty asked to be recorded as voting in favor.

Why it matters: SB 181 would limit the annual amount of expenditures and demand transfers from the State General Fund and require certification by the state treasurer; committee members debated the bill’s potential impact on future legislative flexibility and responses to emergencies.

SB 101: creating a DARE educator position

Committee discussion on SB 101 centered on whether to create a new full‑time equivalent position (estimated at about $104,000 plus benefits) to expand DARE programming. Supporters said the measure addresses the current drug‑use crisis among young people; opponents questioned adding a new state FTE and suggested leveraging existing resources (for example, vacant positions in the Attorney General’s office or school/district programs). Senator Klooz moved to pass the bill favorably; the motion lacked a second and the bill was set aside for additional work.

Votes at a glance

- SB 181: Motion to move favorably — outcome: passed by voice vote; mover: Senator Fagg; second: Senator Peck; Senator Patty requested to be recorded in favor.

- SB 101: Motion to move favorably — outcome: no action (motion died for lack of a second); committee will revisit options for funding and use of existing resources.

Ending

The committee indicated it will continue to work on SB 101 and related funding options; no further formal action on SB 101 was taken that day.