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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Sixth Legislature, First Regular Session
general appropriation bill; continuing appropriation
Purpose
Subject to voter approval, constitutionally continues the general appropriation act from the previous fiscal year until a new general appropriation bill is signed into law, if a new fiscal year begins and no general appropriation bill has been signed into law.
Background
The annual
general appropriations bill is constitutionally required annual legislation
that may not include any item other than appropriations for the departments of
the state, state institutions, public schools and interest on public debt. When
passed by the Legislature, the General Appropriations Act is effective on the
signature of the Governor (Ariz.
Const. art 4,
pt. 2, § 20).
The Joint
Legislative Budget Committee (JLBC) must: 1) ascertain facts and make
recommendations to the Legislature relating to the state budget, state revenues
and expenditures, the organization and functions of state agencies and future
fiscal needs in Arizona; 2) implement a system of fiscal notes to apply to
introduced legislation and agency rules with a fiscal impact;
3) analyze the effects of the state tax structure, tax burdens and tax
incentives on individuals and businesses; and 4) implement a system of fiscal
analysis that applies to introduced legislation that involve one or more
proposed changes to the tax law (A.R.S.
§ 41-1272).
The JLBC
consists of 16 members, including: 1) the majority leaders of the Senate and
House of Representatives; 2) the chairpersons of the Senate and House of
Representatives Appropriations committees; 3) the Chairman of the Senate
Finance Committee; 4) the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee; 5)
five members of the Senate Appropriations Committee appointed by the President
of the Senate; and 6) five members of the House Appropriations Committee
appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives (A.R.S.
§ 41-1271).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Continues, if a new fiscal year begins and no general appropriation bill has been signed into law, the general appropriation bill for the immediately preceding fiscal year until a new general appropriation bill is signed into law.
2. Allows the JLBC or its successor agency, by a majority vote of all appointed members, to adjust, for inflation and enrollment growth in the new fiscal year, the continued general appropriation amounts for programs administered by:
a) the Arizona Department of Education;
b) the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System; and
c) the Department of Economic Security.
3. Makes technical and conforming changes.
4. Requires the Secretary of State to submit the proposition to the voters at the next general election.
5. Becomes effective if approved by the voters and on proclamation of the Governor.
Prepared by Senate Research
February 10, 2023
LMM/GHR/sr