Legislative Report #07-26

Report 07-26
July 20, 2007

BUDGET CONFERENCE CONTINUES

A few remaining issues have delayed the conference report on the 2007 Appropriations Act. Budget negotiators still have not resolved differences between the House and Senate versions of the budget in the areas of county Medicaid relief and the continuation of temporary taxes.

However, there were signs that the current legislative session soon will end. House and Senate leaders indicated that all committee meetings to consider pending legislation will cease by July 28. Also, Senate budget leaders announced on Thursday that budget negotiators expected to have the conference report ready by July 23. In the meantime, the pace of activity increased as both chambers made efforts to pass a backlog of bills.

BILL ACTIVITY THIS WEEK

Senate Bill 720: Open Enrollment Contributory Death Benefit
This bill establishes a four month open enrollment period (Feb.1,– May, 31, 2008) for the contributory death benefit that is administered by the Department of State Treasurer. All retirees who did not elect coverage at the time of retirement would have a one-time opportunity to join during the open enrollment period. Monthly premiums would be based on the member’s age at time of enrollment.

Senate Bill 720 was approved on second and third readings by the House and has been sent to the Senate for concurrence. The Senate vote is scheduled for July 23.

House Bill 779: Increase Contributory Death Benefit
This bill increases the contributory death benefit from the current $9,000 to $10,000. The bill received a favorable report from the House Appropriations Committee and was approved by the full House on second and third readings. House Bill 779 has been sent to the Senate.