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Senate approves resolution authorizing Developmental Center board to lease or sell land; floor debate centers on protecting proceeds
Summary
The Senate approved SJR8 allowing the Developmental Center board authority to lease or sell state land; supporters said proceeds would be placed in a restricted account to support residents, while opponents urged leasing rather than sale to preserve state property set aside for developmental services.
The Senate read and approved SJR8, a resolution authorizing the State Developmental Center Board to lease or sell land and directing proceeds into a restricted account intended to support residents and services.
Supporters argued the resolution empowers a locally appointed board to manage property as an investment asset and preserve or enhance funding for vulnerable residents. "This bill merely authorizes the developmental center board to either lease or sell the land," a sponsor said, noting existing protections to direct proceeds into a restricted account established in 1995.
Opponents and some floor speakers urged caution, saying the land had been set aside for the developmental disabled and should not be permanently sold. Senator DeBackus said the property "belongs to the state and it ought to be there to preserve and protect" the funding flow for residents. Senator Bramble disclosed a potential conflict of interest and explained he and his wife are caregivers for a relative who has been and may again be a resident, and he described why he supports the resolution.
After debate and a floor amendment discussion, the Senate recorded SJR8 as receiving 20 yeas and 5 nays with 4 absent and ordered it read for a third time.
Next steps: the resolution advances on the floor; sponsors and opponents indicated follow‑on bills and amendments are being coordinated to protect the corpus and spending intent of any proceeds.
