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Committee declines to authorize introduction of tobacco settlement funds study resolution
Summary
A proposed joint resolution to study the use of tobacco settlement funds (LC 4,385) failed to receive the required authorization in committee after members said DPHHS had already provided similar information; the draft study had a statutory conclusion date of Sept. 15, 2026.
The House Health and Human Services Committee did not authorize introduction of LC 4,385, a proposed joint resolution to direct an interim study of the use of tobacco settlement funds and tobacco trust interest. Ms. Allen told the committee that the resolution would ask the Legislative Council to designate an interim committee to inventory current recipients, examine uses and evaluate outcomes, and draft legislation if policy changes were recommended; the draft specified a due date of Sept. 15, 2026.
Some members said the department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) had already provided a detailed report on the allocation and recipients of tobacco funds. Vice Chair Howe said the committee had “accomplished the work of the resolution” during the session and that DPHHS had reported where grants were going and the dollar amounts. Representative Schomer said he remained unclear about current spending and wanted to learn more, while Representative Weber and Representative Bennett said they did not see the study as a priority. On roll call the clerk announced a close result and the chair stated that the resolution had failed to be authorized for introduction.
What’s next: Because the committee did not authorize introduction, LC 4,385 will not move forward from this committee unless sponsors return with a new motion or additional information.
