Senate OKs SR 3 to tighten fiscal-note and committee-review procedures

The Senate on Jan. 25 passed SR 3, a rules resolution amending internal legislative processes governing commendations, committee review of fiscal notes, printing, and deadlines for bills with negative fiscal impact.

Senator Lane Beatty, sponsor of SR 3, walked colleagues through several provisions including committee review of fiscal notes, a requirement that bills with negative fiscal impact be acted on by noon on certain days, and that standing‑committee review be noted if absent. Supporters argued the changes will improve scrutiny of fiscal impacts and prevent last‑minute unfunded bills from consuming the final hours of a session.

A principal floor issue was whether substitute bills trigger a new fiscal note or whether the requirement can be waived by motion of the body. Senators raised a point of order and cited a conflict between SJR 3 language and provisions in HJR 7 regarding amended fiscal notes; legal counsel was said to be preparing clarifying language for the joint rules. Leadership indicated they favored the Senate joint‑resolution approach that would presume a revised fiscal note for substitute bills unless the body determined otherwise.

After debate the Senate called the question and approved SR 3; the chair announced SR 3 shows 28 ayes, 1 nay, 1 absent. Sponsors said they would seek technical clarifications so that the joint rules and standing rules align.

Ending: SR 3 passed the Senate and was placed on the third‑reading calendar; sponsors expected to reconcile language on fiscal-note requirements with the House before final adoption of any joint rule changes.