Senate Appropriations moves dozens of bills to suspense file as Department of Finance flags fiscal risks

The Senate Committee on Appropriations convened in Room 2200 and moved more than 20 bills to the committee's suspense file, citing the need for further fiscal review after the Department of Finance outlined economic risks that could affect state revenues.

Christian Beltran, deputy director of legislation at the Department of Finance, told the committee that "the governor's budget recognized several risk factors that could negatively affect the economy and state revenues" and that both the Legislative Analyst's Office and DOF "forecast shortfalls in subsequent fiscal years." The remarks framed the hearing as part of the budgetary triage for measures that could carry fiscal impact.

The committee handled a long list of measures as suspense-file candidates. For each item the chair noted whether the bill's author waived presentation, asked for witnesses, recorded any testimony and whether DOF had a file. In most cases no witnesses were present and DOF reported it did not have a file; the chair then moved the bills to the suspense file "without objection." Measures moved to the suspense file during the hearing included SB 881, SB 1240, SB 886, SB 1006, SB 891, SB 920, SB 937, SB 943, SB 1009, SB 944, SB 946, SB 948, SB 959, SB 1056, SB 964, SB 1132, SB 1241, SB 987, SB 1049, SB 1044, SB 1047, SB 1053, SB 1054, SB 1108, SB 1140 and SB 1198.

A handful of witnesses gave brief fiscal testimony on individual measures. Jennifer Fearing, identifying herself as the Sacramento advocate for the California Association of Nonprofits and sponsor of SB 1240, said the organization was "clearly in strong support" of the bill and listed allied organizations backing the measure. Juliana Tetlow, another Sacramento advocate for CAL Nonprofits, followed with additional supporter names.

Jonathan Young, speaking for the State Water Contractors, offered support on the fiscal aspects of SB 943. Mark Henley of California Waterfowl testified on SB 948's fiscal implications, saying "this bill will require people moving in from out of state to get a firearms safety certificate within 60 days" and warning that "they're gonna get caught up within the court system. That's going to cost the courts money," which he said would pressure the general fund. Stephanie Jimenez testified in support of SB 1056 "on behalf of Villarier."

For most bills the Department of Finance said it did not yet have an analysis on file; the committee's action in each case was to place the bill on the suspense file for additional fiscal review. The hearing recessed briefly to record Senator Wahab's presence and then concluded with the chair thanking participants and adjourning the committee.

Next steps: items on the suspense file will be reassessed later in the legislative session when DOF or committee staff provide fiscal analyses or when members request further discussion.