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Appropriations committee approves two claims-analyst positions for treasurer's unclaimed property office
Summary
The committee approved two claims-analyst positions to strengthen review of complex and foreign unclaimed‑property claims, noting increases in foreign-language filings and concerns about fraud risk; C4 passed 14-3-1 and the treasurer's budget was set with the additions.
The Joint Committee on Appropriations voted to add two claims‑analyst specialist positions in the State Treasurer's unclaimed‑property operations to address complex and foreign claims and strengthen internal controls.
Representative Al moved C4, a motion to add the two specialist positions intended to provide multi‑level review of complex, high‑dollar claims, and the committee adopted the motion by roll call (14 yays, three nays, one absent). Supporters described the change as a targeted investment to reduce fraud risk and improve separation of duties after audit recommendations.
State Treasurer Josh Hater told the committee the office has seen a ‘‘dramatic increase in the number of foreign claims’’ and emphasized operational strain and language barriers: "We really need a couple people who speak Spanish," he said, describing the need for staff who can handle documentation and claimant communication. Representative Jorgensson and others said additional staffing would support internal controls and the growing caseload.
BFM staff and other members clarified that prior budget mechanics were changed so unclaimed‑property operations are now budgeted with general funds; the committee discussed the trust‑fund mechanism that directs net receipts into the general fund up to a statutory limit (transcript references to a $62 million transfer this year). BFM noted the governor recommended one FTE while the treasurer requested more and cautioned about the net general‑fund impact of adding recurring positions.
Following adoption of C4, the committee moved and approved the remainder of the treasurer's motion sheet; the motion to set the treasurer's budget carried (17 yays, one absent). The approved staffing additions will be implemented through the treasurer's hiring process and reported as part of appropriation execution.
