JFAC approves suite of supplemental and FY‑2026 budget actions, funds hazmat regional teams and public‑safety communications; licensing shift language advances

The Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee (JFAC) approved a series of supplemental and fiscal‑year 2026 budget actions on Feb. 14, including one‑time and ongoing appropriations for the Military Division, hazardous‑materials regional teams, public‑safety communications and upgrades, and several departmental enhancement requests. The committee also advanced language asking the Department of Health and Welfare to work with the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses on a draft plan that could include proposed legislation for transferring licensing and certification functions.

Why it matters: The committee’s actions authorize immediate spending on public‑safety and emergency response capacity and set FY‑2026 priorities across multiple state agencies. Several motions passed with bipartisan support; a proposed ongoing appropriation for the Office of the Health and Social Services ombudsman failed to secure enough votes in the House and will be revisited.

Key approvals and outcomes - Hazardous substance emergency response reimbursement (FY2025): JFAC approved a one‑time appropriation and transfer of $34,200 from the general fund to the Hazardous Substance Emergency Response Fund to reimburse remaining fiscal‑year 2024 cleanup costs. Motion by Senator Ward Engelking; second by Representative Petzke. Vote recorded as 20 ayes, 0 nays, 0 absent; motion passed and will carry a due‑pass recommendation.

- Public safety communications support (FY2025): A one‑time appropriation of $540,001 from the general fund to the Military Division for public‑safety communications installation support and four installation bays passed on a unanimous roll call. Motion by Senator Ward Engelking; second by Representative Handy. Vote recorded as 20 ayes, 0 nays, 0 absent; motion passed and will carry a due‑pass recommendation.

- Military Division IT upgrade (FY2025): JFAC approved a one‑time $759,200 appropriation from the general fund for IT infrastructure upgrades and an independent network for public‑safety communications. Motion by Representative Petzke; second by Senator Ward Engelking. Vote recorded as a combined total of 19 ayes, 1 nay; motion passed and will carry a due‑pass recommendation.

- Hazmat regional response equipment and transfer (FY2026): The committee approved adding $8.6 million to fund new hazardous‑materials equipment for regional response teams and a one‑time transfer of $8.6 million from the continuously appropriated State Emergency Relief Fund to the Military Division’s miscellaneous revenue fund. Motion by Representative Petzke; second by Senator Ward Engelking. Vote recorded as 19 ayes, 1 nay; motion passed and will carry a due‑pass recommendation.

- Veterans services FY2026 package: JFAC approved a set of enhancements and replacement items for the Division of Veterans Services, including funding to create a temporary nursing staffing pool and the reappropriation authority for federal construction grants for veterans homes. Motion by Senator Woodward; second by Representative Handy. Vote recorded as 19 ayes, 1 nay; motion passed and will carry a due‑pass recommendation.

- Department of Agriculture deficiency and FY2026 request: The…