Governor’s introduced budget (HB 1600) proposes $4.7 billion in new spending, major one‑time items and a $1.1 billion car tax credit

The governor’s introduced amendments to the biennial budget, carried in House Bill 1600, would add about $4.7 billion in new resources and propose $4.7 billion in additional spending, heavily weighted toward one‑time items in fiscal 2025, staff told the committee at a budget briefing.

Anne Oman, a committee staff member who presented the overview, said the package combines unspent surplus from FY 2024, changes in the revenue forecast and limited transfers to the general fund. "The most important item in the short run is the February 2 budget report‑out day," Oman said, asking members to keep calendars clear for further meetings.

Why it matters: The introduced plan would give the General Assembly a framework for appropriation decisions this session and would lock in several large near‑term commitments. Staff emphasized that most of the newly available funds are one‑time and urged caution about using one‑time revenues for ongoing costs.

Key figures and structure

Staff said about $1.2 billion of the FY 2024 surplus was allocated as contingent spending in Chapter 2 and would require appropriation this year to take effect. Adjustments to the revenue forecast added roughly $3.3 billion in resources (about $2.1 billion in the first year and $1.2 billion in the second year). After transfers and other adjustments, the briefing summarized $4.7 billion in new resources available for HB 1600. Of the $4.7 billion in proposed spending, roughly $3.4 billion are one‑time actions and about $1.3 billion are recurring.

Major proposals highlighted by staff

- Car tax credit: HB 1600 contains language creating a refundable credit based on vehicle personal property taxes paid, effective…