JFAC approves FY2026 program‑maintenance budgets and standard language for agencies statewide

The Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee on Jan. 17 approved program-maintenance budgets and accompanying statutory language for multiple functional areas and agencies across state government.

Committee staff described program maintenance as the legislature’s continuation of ongoing operations (the base budget), with limited additions for contract inflation and statewide cost allocations. Committee action both set dollar appropriations and, where applicable, approved accompanying "clear language" — statutory buckets, transfer exemptions, reappropriation authority, and reporting requirements — that govern how agencies may use or carry over funds.

Most motions were uncontested and carried on roll-call votes. The committee’s actions and vote tallies are listed below ("Votes at a glance"). Staff said these decisions preserve the agency bases set by prior legislatures while allowing limited flexibility through identified exemptions and reappropriation authority.

Votes at a glance - Legislative Branch (Legislative Services Office and Office of Performance Evaluations): Motion to set FY2026 base and include $41,700 for statewide cost allocation passed (20 ayes, 0 nays). Motion also authorized clear language and reappropriation authority; roll call unanimous. - Judicial Branch (Court operations, Guardian ad Litem, Judicial Council): Motion to set FY2026 base and include $116,400 for statewide cost allocation passed (20 ayes,…