The Joint Fiscal Office walked the committee through contingent appropriations left at the close of FY2025 and the rules that govern who can deploy them.

"At the close of FY 2025, there was $118,000,000 that was the contingent appropriations based on where we knew the exit," Emily Burns said, describing how funds were split into pots: one $50 million tranche intended to let the emergency board act if a federal funding shortfall required a quick transfer, and two roughly $30 million tranches set aside for federal funding uncertainties or other emergent needs.

Burns explained why the $50 million figure was chosen: the emergency board can move up to about 2% of prior appropriations (roughly $49 million), so $50 million approximates that operational ceiling. She said some of the emergency board money has been deployed (for example, addressing SNAP benefit interruptions), but the bulk of the contingent funds remain reserved. The General Assembly retains authority to unreserve or change language around these pots if it chooses.

Committee members asked how and when those funds might be reallocated; Burns said the General Assembly can change the authorizing language or revert and reappropriate funds, and that staff will circulate spreadsheets showing current allocations and what remains available.

No vote was taken; the briefing was informational and JFO will supply a detailed spreadsheet for committee review.