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Committee tables whistleblower rewards bill over revenue-origination and funding questions
Summary
The House JGO committee tabled Senate Bill 24-13 SD1, a whistleblower-protection measure that would add rewards for reporting tax underpayments, after members and counsel raised questions about the bill’s funding source and whether the measure improperly originates in the Senate.
Chair opened discussion on Senate Bill 24-13 SD1, a bill to enact whistleblower protections and provide rewards tied to disclosures that lead to the recovery of public funds. Rep. Marissa Flores, the floor leader, asked, “Is there a where's the funding source for this? How is this supposed to be paid? Penalties. There's a penalty here. Is there a revolving fund account or are we going to establish a revolving fund? How are these funds going to be paid?”
Legal counsel noted the bill's author (identified in committee discussion as Senator Karina Magna) had been invited but was not present to explain funding. Counsel advised the measure appeared to be revenue generating in effect and reminded members that the committee cannot pass a revenue-generating measure that originated in the Senate because revenue measures must originate in the House. Floor Leader Flores said the committee should table the bill while staff consult the author and consider amendments or converting the measure into a House-originated bill.
The Chair called a motion to table SB24-13 SD1; the motion was seconded and carried. The committee recorded that SB24-13 SD1 is tabled and that the Chair will reach out to the author about whether the bill should be reintroduced from the House or amended to address the revenue/origination issue.
What happens next: The measure is tabled pending consultation with the bill’s author and further work by committee counsel to clarify funding mechanics and constitutional origination questions.
