Senate passes several technical and finance measures, rejects legislator pay increase

Several additional measures were taken up and passed under suspension of the rules.

House Bill 2,003 (Capital Improvement Amendments) was introduced by Senator Jenkins. Jenkins said the bill allows the Legislature to reduce amounts appropriated to capital improvements when the Legislature identifies a general‑fund or education‑fund deficit and that reducing the capital improvement allocation from 1.1% to 0.9% would free up $15,000,000 in ongoing funds. The Senate passed HB 2,003 by roll call with 24 yes, 0 nay and 5 absent.

House Bill 2,004, described by Senator Waddup, corrects a drafting error from the general session to permit an environmental study related to 5400 and Interstate 215 so the Department of Transportation can perform an environmental impact study where intended. The Senate passed HB 2,004 with 25 yes, 0 nay and 4 absent.

House Bill 2,005, a transportation finance amendment (a temporary one‑year change to Transportation Investment Fund allocations and a one‑year adjustment tied to a $35,000,000 transfer discussed on the floor), was presented by Senator Walker; the Senate passed HB 2,005 with 24 yes, 0 nay and 5 absent.

House Joint Resolution 201 rejected legislator salary increases recommended by the Legislative Compensation Commission that would have taken effect Jan. 1, 2009, saving the state approximately $68,700, according to Senator Eastman. The resolution passed by roll call, 22 yes, 2 no and 5 absent.

Each of these measures was handled under suspension of the rules and will be transmitted for signatures or further processing as required.