JFAC approves program maintenance budgets across branches and agencies; votes at a glance

The Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee on Jan. 17 approved a series of program maintenance appropriations and related language for fiscal year 2026 covering the legislative and judicial branches, statewide elected officials, public safety, general government, economic development, natural resources, the State Board of Education, public schools and Health and Human Services.

Committee staff and analysts presented each functional-area packet, explained changes included in the FY2026 base and any statewide adjustments (contract inflation, statewide cost allocation) and then the committee voted. Most motions were procedural and were treated as "do pass" recommendations. Where staff noted special conditions or carryover language, those provisions were included in the appropriation language approved by the committee.

Votes at a glance (motions, movers, outcomes):

- Legislative Branch (program maintenance; includes Legislative Services and Office of Performance Evaluations). Motion by Representative Miller; second by Senator Ward Engelking. Motion passed unanimously (20 ayes, 0 nays).

- Judicial Branch (court operations, Guardian ad Litem, Judicial Council). Motion by Senator Carlson; second by Representative Mitchell. Motion passed unanimously (20 ayes, 0 nays).

- Constitutional…