Senators pass bill to create census revolving fund with roughly $500,000 initial appropriation

Senators voted unanimously to pass House Bill 36-22, which the sponsor said will create a census revolving fund and include an initial appropriation of approximately $500,000.

Sponsor Senator Thompson told the panel, "House Bill 36-22 creates the census revolving fund. There is an initial appropriation of around $500,000." After that explanation, she moved that the bill "do pass," and Senator Gillespie was recorded as seconding the motion.

Minority Leader Kurt asked whether the appropriation was included in this year's budget. Senator Thompson replied that her understanding was that "there is an allotment of dollars, that's set aside to fund policy that is still moving through," and that she understood "yes" it is in the budget.

The clerk conducted a roll call on HB 36-22. The record shows 'aye' responses from Senator Fricks, Senator Gillespie, Senator Green, Minority Leader Kurt, Senator Woods, Vice Chair Coleman and Chairwoman Thompson, producing a 7-0 tally. The presiding officer declared House Bill 36-22 passed and returned the gavel to Chairwoman Thompson.

The transcript records no amendments to HB 36-22 and does not specify implementation details beyond the initial appropriation noted by the sponsor. The session adjourned shortly after the vote.