Appropriations subcommittee amendment tied in Rules Committee; sponsor to revise

Representative McPherson presented the first substitute to House Joint Resolution 24 on Feb. 12, a procedural proposal to let joint appropriation subcommittees convene an additional meeting (with both House and Senate chairs’ agreement) limited to voting on whether to support Executive Appropriations Committee (EAC) recommendations for the subcommittee’s area. Sponsor said it would not change EAC timelines or binding authority, but would increase visibility and give committees an on-the-record vote to signal support or concern.

Members asked whether the additional meeting would be public, whether both chairs must agree to convene, and whether the vote would cover only subcommittee priorities or broader budget items. Sponsor said the meeting would be limited to voting on support for the committee’s prioritizations and both chairs must agree to call it. Representative Roberts voiced concern that a section (section c) could create unnecessary conflict; Representative Lee and others supported the extra visibility.

The committee adopted the first substitute by voice vote, then considered a motion to favorably recommend the first substitute. A roll-call resulted in a tie, and the sponsor said she would take the feedback and return with refinements.

What’s next: Sponsor to revise the provision (particularly section c) to address concerns about potential conflict and return to Rules Committee.