House Finance, Ways and Means sets budget hearing schedule, tight amendment rules

Chairman Hicks called the House Finance, Ways and Means Committee to order for February 2025 and told members the committee will begin budget hearings “next week on Tuesday, February 2025” and aims to conclude by Monday, March 17.

The announcement matters because the committee’s schedule and filing rules shape how state agencies, legislators and constituents present budget requests and amendments during a six-week hearing period that will inform the Legislature’s final budget decisions.

Hicks said members are required to attend department and agency budget hearings and that hearings will begin at 8 a.m. on Mondays to fit the committee’s six-week schedule. He warned members the committee expects courtesy toward commissioners, agency staff and fellow committee members and that the information presented in those hearings will be “instrumental” when the committee begins work on the budget at the end of the session.

On amendments, Hicks said all bill notices and proposed committee amendments must now be filed electronically through the committee’s Outlook distribution list. “All amendments must be filed with the full committee through the corresponding Outlook distribution list. This process will automatically request a fiscal memo on your behalf,” he said. He emphasized that the Finance Committee “does not accept verbal amendments,” repeating the point for emphasis.

Hicks set a deadline for proposed committee amendments: Monday at 10 a.m. He also outlined the committee’s approach to local bills, saying local bills that would have a local fiscal impact will be considered only if sponsored or cosponsored by a representative from that locality; sponsors may roll a bill to allow additional time to obtain an appropriate cosponsor.

Requests for testimony by guest speakers must be submitted to the chairman’s office at least 24 hours before the scheduled meeting, and testimony will be subject to a three-minute time limit, Hicks said.

Hicks introduced committee staff and support personnel who will assist during budget season, including House Budget Director Jessica Haim, Fiscal Review Director Boyan Savage, committee attorneys Joel Hayes and Doug Garrett, administrative assistant Kimberly White and research analyst Amira Natunich, along with house clerks Ashley Risen and Nick Nicastro and library staff member Kayla Eatherly. He also recognized sergeants at arms Tony Townsend and Terry Van Tris. Several members briefly introduced interns during the session.

With no further business, Hicks said, “without objection, we stand adjourned.”