JBC introduces ARPA adjustment bill to tidy prior 'swap' and capture one-time funds

The Joint Budget Committee on the record introduced a bill (LLS 480) that staff described as a technical package to reconcile prior American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) appropriations, capture reversions and recaptures, and correct fund-source classifications. Committee analyst Ms. Bickel said the measure bundles three types of adjustments: fund-source swaps (federal vs. general fund), recaptures/reversions of unspent ARPA dollars, and reductions to programs that extend beyond previously anticipated end dates.

"The kind of bottom line here is that you get $33,500,000 of one-time general fund in 24-25," Ms. Bickel told the committee, describing the measure as primarily mechanical and fiscally net-zero for many line items once transfers and appropriations are reconciled. She emphasized that much of the work is to align accounting across fiscal years and avoid the need for a special session.

Committee members asked procedural questions and then the committee handled a formal introduction. Madam Vice Chair moved to introduce the ARPA bill; there were no objections and the motion passed 6-0. The chair announced Senate sponsorship by Sen. Kirkmeyer and Sen. Amabile; the measure's House sponsors were listed as Representatives Sirota and Byrd with Representative Saggart cosponsoring.

The bill, as described by staff, includes shaded line items that reflect JBC decisions (where the committee explicitly voted to curtail continued spending) and other entries that were automatic reversions due to program end dates. Staff said further mechanical clarifications — including tables showing transfers and appropriations adjustments — would appear in the printed bill packet.

The committee took no additional policy actions on the floor; the introduction advances the measure to the next step of the legislative process.