What to Watch: Week of January 11, 2021

Generally, the first weeks of the session build slowly. Legislative committees begin the under the radar process of reviewing administrative rules, appropriators question state agencies on budget needs, legislators introduce personal bills that will never be heard in committee.  This year will look and feel differently. 

Beginning this week, members of the House and Senate are likely to unveil their respective proposals to address the authority of the executive branch in times of ongoing statewide emergency declarations as well as the role of the legislative branch, including its ability to call itself into special session. The Joint Finance Appropriation Committee (known as JFAC) will begin drafting budgets, and legislators will respond to the Governor’s state of the state address.

For county officials, three committees will be of particular interest: Health and Welfare, Revenue and Taxation, and Transportation. In the coming weeks these committees will provide clues as to how the legislature will address issues ranging from property tax relief, local government budget caps, Medicaid expansion, and funding for county roads. 

As the session progresses, IAC will provide more information about which committees to watch and when. Check your inbox for future IAC Legislative Bulletins and Legislative Action Alerts to stay up to date on the goings on at the Statehouse.