Senate adopts amendment cutting $75 million litigation appropriation to $5 million in Senate File 41

Senators voted to adopt an amendment to Senate File 41 that reduces a proposed $75,000,000 appropriation for litigation-related purposes to $5,000,000.

The amendment was offered and moved for second reading by Senator Garew, who said the change was intended to keep the “general principles and the general idea” while lowering the dollar amount to one the Senate could support. “We talked about this good little bill on first reading quite a bit,” Garew said, and asked for favorable consideration.

The amendment prompted several senators to seek more information about the appropriate dollar amount. Senator Ihle said the change “is a big change” and asked for more discussion about whether $5 million would be adequate. Senator Cole said the change reflected altered circumstances under the new presidential administration and described $5 million as a placeholder that could be increased later if necessary. Senator Gru urged the body that the amendment “keeps options open,” including consulting executive leadership if emergency litigation spending were needed when the Legislature was not in session.

The roll call on the amendment closed at 22 yes, 9 no. The chief clerk announced, “The amendment has been adopted.” Senate File 41 was then ordered to be read a third time.

Why it matters: The appropriation in Senate File 41 had been written at $75 million and was discussed in Appropriations Committee work; adopting the amendment reduces the amount set aside for possible litigation or related costs to $5 million. Senators expressed differing views about whether the lower sum would be sufficient for high-cost federal litigation and noted the Legislature could consider additional appropriations later.

The Senate advanced the bill toward final consideration; further action on the full bill will occur on third reading.