Senate adopts amendments to annual accounts bill, restores Andy Hill Cancer Research funding

On the floor the Senate debated amendments to House Bill 2,675, described by sponsors as the annual accounts bill that closes accounts no longer used and updates several lines affecting programs and funds.

Senator Stanford moved amendment 0882 to remove a specific account and give the Department of Fish and Wildlife more flexibility in managing funds. "This amendment would remove an account, to give Department of Fish and Wildlife a little bit more flexibility and streamline their operations," Stanford said, asking for support.

Senator Schoessler rose in opposition, warning the change would sweep dedicated sportsmen-funded money away from the warm-water fisheries program established decades ago. "Decades ago, our state started a warm water fisheries program... We're eliminating it. Why? Because we want to sweep the money for other stuff," Schoessler said, arguing the change was substantive.

Senators ultimately adopted amendment 0882 and other amendments on the floor, and later voted to advance HB 2675 to third reading and final passage. Sponsor Senator Robinson urged support, saying the bill included helpful amendments for adult-day services, fish accounts, and the Andy Hill Cancer Research account. The Secretary recorded final passage at 37 ayes, 12 nays.

Next steps: HB 2675 will be enrolled and transmitted for final processing.