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Panel advances $1,000-per-month legislative expense allowance retroactive to the fiscal year
Summary
The subcommittee advanced S 7 79, a joint resolution providing $1,000 monthly legislative expense allowance retroactive to the start of the fiscal year, specifying proration for departing and newly elected members and excluding members convicted of a felony; sponsors described it as a temporary stopgap set to expire 07/01/2026.
The Senate Finance sales and income tax subcommittee voted to advance S 7 79, a joint resolution that would provide a $1,000-per-month legislative expense allowance to members of the 126th General Assembly, retroactive to the beginning of the fiscal year.
Speaker 9, who explained the measure, told the committee S 7 79 would make a retroactive payment for the months already passed and then provide the stated allowance monthly going forward. He said the measure clarifies proration so that members who resign or retire during the year would not cause a windfall for members elected later in special elections, and it specifically prohibits a member convicted of, or who pleads guilty or no contest to, a felony during the fiscal year from receiving the allowance.
Committee members asked whether retroactive amounts would carry interest and whether the resolution would be affected by an intervening continuing resolution; Speaker 9 said no interest is contemplated and that the section in question takes effect on approval and is set to repeal on 07/01/2026, describing the item as a stopgap while broader compensation debates continue. Senator Folks confirmed the repeal date and the stopgap intent during the exchange.
Following questions, the committee moved S 7 79 forward by motion and recorded a series of ayes; the measure will go to the full committee for further consideration.
