JFAC orders vehicle‑fleet review for Health and Welfare, approves nearly $4.9 million in replacements and IT hardware

The Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee approved funding for replacement items and Office of Information Technology hardware for the Department of Health and Welfare’s Indirect Support Services and attached clear language requiring a department review of its vehicle fleet.

Representative Mitchell moved the budget motion, which included replacement funding and IT hardware. The motion added $2,298,700 from the general fund and $2,625,000 from federal funds for a total of $4,923,700 for the division’s FY2026 program maintenance items; Representative Cyndi Bierke seconded. The motion passed on a recorded vote (17 ayes, 1 nay, 2 absent and excused).

The committee approved accompanying language directing the Department of Health and Welfare to evaluate its state‑vehicle fleet — including utilization, appropriateness of vehicle counts and vehicle use — and to deliver a report to JFAC through the Legislative Services Office no later than Dec. 15 of the year specified in the packet. Ms. Williamson, the Legislative Services analyst, explained the language will require data on utilization and vehicle counts; Representative Mitchell noted he had done a detailed review of the department’s automotive program and supported the reporting requirement as part of fleet oversight.

The language is clear‑style intent: the division’s appropriation is conditioned on compliance with the reporting requirement. The report is intended to inform the committee’s oversight of vehicle counts and fleet appropriateness; any policy or statutory change would require separate committee and legislative action.