Joint Budget Committee introduces a slate of long‑bill-related drafts; motions pass largely unanimously

The Joint Budget Committee voted March 23 to introduce a series of budget-related bill drafts that will travel with the long bill. Vice Chair Bridges and other members moved multiple introductions; recorded committee outcomes were primarily unanimous voice votes.

Bills introduced (motions recorded in committee):
- LLS 0948, processes to determine state budget requests — introduced, passed 6–0 (Vice Chair Bridges moved).
- LLS 0926, repeal Medicaid reimbursement for equine therapy — introduced, passed 6–0 (Vice Chair Bridges moved); staff noted potential service substitution to occupational or movement therapy.
- LLS 0955, COVID increased Medicaid match to General Fund — introduced, passed 6–0 (Vice Chair Bridal moved).
- LLS 0745, information technology depreciation/lease payments (ADLE/IT depreciation) — introduced, passed 6–0 (Vice Chair Bridges moved).
- LLS 0886, phase-out of the TREP program — introduced, passed 6–0 (Vice Chair Bridges moved).

Each motion included announcement of House and Senate sponsors and cosponsors. Committee staff cautioned that some transfers and sweeps may require additional statutory language and that certain transfers could raise TABOR classification or legal-allowability questions; staff flagged follow-ups where drafting or additional votes will be required.

Why it matters: These introductions set the legislative vehicle and sponsorship for items the committee is choosing to fold into the long bill. Several items involve multi‑million-dollar transfers or program changes that will affect FY 2026–27 appropriations.

Next steps: Staff will prepare bill drafts and any required statutory language; the committee will receive drafting comebacks and technical amendments ahead of final long‑bill action.

Note on vote records: The transcript reports committee tallies (e.g., “That passes on a vote of 6 to 0”) but does not include roll-call lists correlating member names to votes; the articles above reflect the committee tallies as stated in the transcript.