Senate adopts amendment and passes SB001 on governor spending-reduction authority

Senate Bill 001, which establishes procedures for the governor to present spending-reduction plans when the state faces fiscal shortfalls, advanced on Aug. 21 after the Senate granted permission for a third-reading amendment and adopted it unanimously.

Senator Amabile asked permission to offer a third-reading amendment (L004) that changes a 2 percent threshold in the bill to 3 percent; the body granted permission and then adopted amendment L004 by voice vote (35–0). Amabile asked members to support the amendment as a straightforward technical change.

Debate on the amended bill included concerns from some senators, including the majority leader and Senator Carson, who said they were wary of ceding too much decision-making power to the governor and emphasized the legislature’s responsibility to make tough budget choices. They said the state’s fiscal situation requires careful judgment and that legislators should not abdicate responsibility.

After discussion, the Senate took final passage of SB001 as amended and the clerk announced that the bill was adopted on final reading.