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House advances sweeping appropriations adjustments and adopts amendments
Summary
The House passed S.B. 3, a comprehensive appropriations-adjustments bill that finalizes the state budget with record spending levels; amendments reallocating multiple line items were debated and adopted before a final roll-call (69-1).
Representative Bigelow described S.B. 3 as the "bill of bills," containing funding adjustments that finalize the state budget for the session. He told members the package included both one-time and ongoing appropriations affecting state agencies and higher education and noted that the Senate had already passed the bill without changing dollar amounts.
Members offered amendments moving and correcting specific line-item amounts. Representative (12) proposed changes to four line items — for example, deleting $520,000 and inserting $620,000 in one line and moving funds into weatherization — arguing the change corrects an error and aligns resources with committee priorities. After debate, divisions and quick votes, the House adopted the contested amendments and then passed the final S.B. 3 with 69 yes and 1 no.
Bigelow said the package represents record spending in the state's history for many programs but urged colleagues to move forward and finalize the budget so the session could conclude. The bill will be sent to the Senate for further consideration and enrollment.
