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Committee hears proposal to fund parole‑board legal counsel pilot; JFO flags carry‑forward issue
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Summary
Legislative counsel told the Senate Appropriations Committee that H550 would add funding for a parole board legal‑counsel pilot totaling $75,000 ($25,000 carry forward plus $50,000 appropriation); counsel and JFO flagged that Act 74 §89 could affect the carry forward and proposed amendment language to reserve the $25,000 for that purpose.
Legislative counsel told the Senate Appropriations Committee on April 28 that H550, the parole‑board bill, includes a proposal for a legal‑counsel pilot for the parole board that the committee must consider for funding.
Counsel explained the parole board lacks its own counsel; a pilot program to contract external legal counsel would cost $75,000. Of that, $25,000 is a carry forward from the Department of Corrections; the committee would need to appropriate an additional $50,000 to cover the total contract cost.
Committee members questioned whether the $50,000 was a one‑time pilot appropriation or an addition to the base budget. Counsel and staff said the fiscal note lists a $50,000 appropriation and that the item is being carried in separate legislation; if the pilot proves successful there is a mechanism to consider base funding in future sessions. Counsel also noted the bill includes report‑back language about whether the pilot should continue.
A JFO‑flagged drafting concern arose about Act 74, section 89, which contains 'notwithstanding' language governing carry forwards and secretary of administration approval. Legislative counsel proposed amendment language intended to make clear that the $25,000 carry forward for third‑party legal services shall carry forward specifically for hiring external counsel and "shall not be subject to the approval of the secretary of administration or designated for any other purpose." Counsel said the amendment is intended to ensure the carry forward works as the drafters intend despite Act 74 §89.
Chair asked for a motion to move the bill with the amendment; members present voiced assent and staff said they would prepare the printed amendment and committee report.
