Senate refuses to concur on House amendments to two budget bills, names conference committees; supplemental budget referred to committee
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Summary
During a pro forma session the clerk announced the Senate "refuses to concur" in House amendments to SB 282 and SB 284, named conference committees to resolve differences, and the governor's Supplemental Budget No. 2 for FY2027 was submitted and referred to the Budget and Tax Committee.
The Maryland Senate on Friday said it would not concur in House amendments to two budget-related bills and appointed conference committees to negotiate the differences, the clerk announced during a pro forma session.
The clerk read a message stating, "The Senate refuses to concur in the House amendments" to Senate Bill 282, the president's budget for fiscal year 2027, and listed the conference committee appointees, naming Senator Gazzone as chair and senators McCray, King, Hellman and Quarterman as members, with Senators Bailey, Zucker and Augustine serving in an advisory capacity. The clerk then read a similar message for Senate Bill 284, the Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act of 2026, naming Senator Gazzone as chair and senators Rosa, Hetleman, Augustine and Jennings as members, with advisory members Salling, Zucker and Lewis Young.
The clerk also read an executive message from Governor Westmore submitting "Supplemental Budget Number 2," described as an amendment to the budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027, that "affects the previously estimated funds available for budget operations." The presiding officer ordered the supplemental budget referred to the Budget and Tax Committee for consideration and noted that conference committee work on the disagreeing votes could follow if the House requests a conference.
Why it matters: conference committees bridge differences between the two chambers on budget language and funding levels; appointments signal which senators will represent the Senate in those negotiations. The supplemental budget submission formally notifies the Senate and starts the committee review process for any mid‑year adjustments to projected revenues or appropriations.
The clerk recorded that the messages were journalized and adopted as read. The Senate will proceed with committee and conference committee action on the bills and the supplemental budget as provided by chamber rules and any requests from the House of Delegates.
