Status of Moving Parts as Session Nears End

Today is the first day of the last week of the scheduled 2010 supplemental session. Though much progress was made over the weekend several major pieces necessary to adjourn without a special session remain in motion.

Operating Budget
The 2010 supplemental operating budget (ESSB 6444) has passed both the House and Senate. The House passed a striker, which strikes the language from the Senate’s proposed 2010 operating budget and replaces it with the House’s proposed operating budget language. As a result the House effectively passed their proposed operating budget using SSB 6444 as the vehicle. The Senate did not concur with the changes made by the House.  As a result, ESSB 6444 is now in conference.

Capital Budget
The House proposed 2010 supplemental capital budget (HB 2836) is on the House floor waiting for further consideration. The Senate proposed 2010 supplemental capital budget (SB 6364) passed out of committee today and now goes to the Senate floor for further consideration.

Revenue Legislation
Though several revenue-related bills have been heard recently in various committees two revenue-related bills have made it into the end-game. Senate Bill 6143- sales tax and closes loopholes –  and Senate Bill 6874 – increases tobacco product tax.  Senate Bill 6143 is on the House floor awaiting further consideration. It is expected that the House will strike the language in SB 6143 and replace it with language that reflects the House’s proposed revenue package. Senate Bill 6874 is also on the House floor awaiting further consideration.