REPRESENTATIVE CHRIS TUCK
(907) 465-2095 | State Capitol Building, Room 216 | WEBSITE
Statement PDF | Sponsor's BILL Listing
Statement
House Bill 177 Revised Program: Appropriations
House Bill 177 seeks to uphold the Legislature’s Constitutional power of
appropriation by limiting the authority granted to the governor in statute to
amend the budget by receiving and expending additional money that becomes
available after the budget has been passed by the Legislature.
Through AS 37.07.080(h), the governor may expend additional receipts 45 days
after submitting a revised program to the Legislative Budget and Audit Committee
for review. This is known as an “RPL,” short for “revised program – legislative.”
Because the federal budget cycle and the state budget cycle are different, this
mechanism allows the flexibility to receive additional federal funds.
House Bill 177 adds language to clarify that this process is intended to be used
only for additional money received for programs that are already being funded
through the budget passed by the Legislature. House Bill 177 also revises the
process by stair-stepping the length of time the committee has to review larger
RPLs. The larger the RPL, the longer the committee has to review it. This also
allows the Legislature an appropriate amount of time to coordinate a special
session if necessary.
The legislative power to appropriate funds of the state is an essential component
of the checks and balances that make up the foundation of American Democracy
and House Bill 177 will ensure that power is protected while still providing the
flexibility needed to accept unforeseen funds.
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