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Appropriations committee advances ADA coordinator bill but members warn it needs more work
Summary
The Appropriations Committee advanced H861 with an amendment making a new ADA coordinator position effective only if $150,000 is appropriated in FY2027; members voiced concerns about the hiring process, duplication with existing agency work, and lack of agency input.
On March 19 the House Appropriations Committee approved an amendment to H861 that conditions the effective date of a proposed Americans with Disabilities Act coordinator position on an FY2027 appropriation of $150,000. The committee then advanced the bill to the House floor.
The amendment (draft 1.1) states the position would "take effect July 1st, 2026 provided that the sum of 150,000 has been appropriated in the FY27 budget." Members debating the measure were split on the bill's structure and readiness. One member said the hiring process described in the draft—where advocacy groups present candidates—was "odd" and worried it would be inappropriate for an administrative hire. That member cautioned the position might become "more harm than good" or simply add layers of bureaucracy.
Other members argued the state has not substantially revised its ADA policies since 2014 and that enforcement and implementation are uneven across departments. "I was really concerned to learn that we have not really revised our ADA policies since 2014," said a committee member who supported the position on that basis, urging the panel to allow the bill to proceed so it could be improved in the Senate. Several members said the bill needs more agency input and structural revisions but that getting it out of committee would allow additional work later.
The committee held roll-call votes on the amendment and on the bill as amended; the amendment was accepted and the bill advanced. Committee discussion left several items unresolved: whether the appointing/hiring structure should be revised, what specific duties the coordinator would have relative to existing agency staff, and whether the Treasurer, joint fiscal staff, or agencies have cost estimates for the position's ongoing budgetary impact.
The committee chair said members could refine the bill after it leaves appropriations and before later votes. H861 will go to the House floor where members may propose further amendments or budget restorations.
