Finance committee adopts amendment setting legislative compensation and in‑district expense; committee approves bill 14–9

The sponsor explained that SB 933 is intended to adjust in‑district expense and legislative compensation to keep pace with inflation. The sponsor said the change was rooted in an effort to keep expenses manageable and to allow people who are not independently wealthy to serve: the subcommittee limited the portion affecting retirement to $15,000 and set the in‑district expense at $32,500 to reduce retirement-system exposure.

Committee staff 'Jake' summarized the subcommittee amendment: “the subcommittee passed a pretty simple amendment that sets legislative compensation at 15,000 and in‑district expense at 32,500.” Members asked for an updated fiscal impact statement; staff said PEBA actuary analysis could take a few weeks. The sponsor said they believed the change would be manageable within the retirement system after the subcommittee modification.

One senator said he planned to offer a floor amendment to delay any pay raise for senators until after elections, arguing it is more appropriate for senators to not raise their pay before they stand for re‑election. The committee proceeded to a roll-call vote on the bill as amended. The clerk read members’ names and their answers; the clerk announced the bill passed 14–9 and the committee adopted SB 933 as amended.

Next steps: SB 933 advances as amended; staff will request a formal actuarial analysis from PEBA to provide a comprehensive fiscal impact for further consideration on the floor.