Today, Friday, May 2nd is when per diem expenses for legislators end, but the only requirement is for a budget to be passed before June 30.
POLICY BILLS THAT MOVED THIS WEEK:
On Monday, House File 395, School Bus Drivers, passed the Senate (50-0) after accepting two amendments; namely, one of the amendments was a push by our office to extend the current program usage to January of 2026, instead of beginning implementation in July of 2025. With these new amendments, the bill will need to go back to the House for them to concur in the amendments. Also on Monday, Senate File 288, Pregnant Students, passed the Senate (49-0) and will now be sent to the Governor to be signed. On Tuesday, House File 299, Immunization Exemptions, passed the Senate (32-16); it has now been sent to the Governor to be signed. On Wednesday, House File 782, the Governor's Cell Phone Bill, was signed by the Governor. On Thursday, House File 805, Dental Assistants, was signed by the Governor.
BUDGET BILLS:
On Monday, Governor Kim Reynolds and Senate Republicans announced a compromise for an overall budget of $9.417 billion for Fiscal Year 2026. The joint target between the Senate and Governor Reynolds for Education is approximately $1 billion, for Economic Development is approximately $40 million, and for Justice System is approximately $900 million. The Senate's proposed education appropriations bill maintains flat funding for community colleges, raising concerns among lawmakers and educators. Under Senate Study Bill 1231, community colleges would continue to receive about $235.9 million, the same as the previous year, prompting worries about the ability to meet rising operational costs without increased state support.
Education Appropriations (HSB 337 & SSB 1231):
The House proposed a 3.4% increase to SGA, .5% decrease to the Regents, a $0 increase to PACE, $0 transfer of funds from DE to IWD for the workforce preparation outcome reporting system, and a 5.2% increase to iJAG.
The Senate proposed a 0% increase to SGA, 0% increase to the Regents, a $200,000 cut to PACE, $125,000 transfer of funds from DE to IWD for the workforce preparation outcome reporting system, and a 0% increase to iJAG.
Economic Development Appropriations (HSB 336 & SF 645):
The House proposed a 1.6% increase to the offender reentry program. A subcommittee meeting was held Wednesday at 3pm.
The Senate proposed a 0% increase to the offender reentry program. The committee approved the bill on Wednesday.
Justice Systems Appropriations (HSB 339 & SSB 1232):
The House & Senate proposed a 19% increase to corrections education.
For exclusive access to legislative updates on a daily (not weekly) basis, please sign up for our Grassroots Action Advocacy Center, Quorum.