2018 Fiscal Session begins Feb. 12

2018 Fiscal Session begins Feb. 12

The legislature meets only on odd numbered years for what we refer to as the Regular Session. This is when most laws are passed.

But for the last eight years we have been meeting in the even numbered years to address the budget.

In November 2008, 69 percent of Arkansas voters approved legislatively referred Proposed Constitutional Amendment 2, which became Amendment 86 to the Arkansas Constitution. Amendment 86 reduces the period for which appropriation bills are valid from two fiscal years to one, requiring the General Assembly to meet in a fiscal session during even-numbered years, with deliberations limited to action on appropriation bills.

The Fiscal Session for 2018 begins on Feb. 12.

During Fiscal Sessions, the legislature can only address the budget and appropriation bills. In order for non-appropriation legislation to be introduced, a concurrent resolution substantially describing the bill must be approved by a 2/3 vote required in both chambers.

Members can begin filing such resolutions on Monday of next week.

Fiscal sessions cannot exceed 30 days. The fiscal session may be extended one time, however, for no more than 15 days, by a majority vote of both the House and Senate.

Next week, we also begin budget hears to prepare.

The hearings will begin with the Department of Finance and Administration presenting the Governor’s balanced budget proposal. The proposal is only a recommendation.

The request are taken into consideration, however it is ultimately the legislature to decide how the money is allocated.

During the first week, the Joint Budget Committee will be hearing requests for the Higher Education Institutions, Department of Education Public School Fund Account, the Department of Human Services, Department of Health, Department of Correction and the Department of Community Correction, commonly referred to the “Big 6.”

All hearings will be held in Committee Room A of the Big Mac Building and are open to the public.

I will continue to update you on any developments during the budget hearing process. And remember when the Fiscal Session begins, you can watch the House floor proceedings at www.arkansashouse.org.

From State Representative Deborah Ferguson