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Special‑fund boards tell appropriations committee they need spending authority for IT, recovery programs and a relocation
Summary
Several special‑fund licensing boards (pharmacy, chiropractic, physical therapy, medical) told the Appropriations committee they have revenue reserves but need authority to spend on IT modernization, recovery/treatment contracts and a medical board relocation totaling roughly $735,000.
Multiple small, special‑fund state boards told the Appropriations committee they are self‑funded through license fees and retain cash reserves but require legislative spending authority to cover one‑time and contractual needs in FY26. Presenters repeatedly emphasized two recurring themes: (1) legacy licensing systems that are unsupported and pose security risks, and (2) workforce and retention pressures that make modest staff pay progressions or contract treatment programs a priority.
Senators asked for specific backup documentation for vendor quotes, lease comparisons and cash‑balance reconciliations. Committee members also discussed the policy question of whether some special‑fund reserves could be used to seed residency or retention grants for hard‑to‑staff medical specialties, but presenters said spending authority and statutory changes would be needed before funds could be repurposed.
