Summary of House Bill 1125 (Act 495)
Bill Number: HB 1125
Title: An Act for the Department of Finance & Administration - Regulatory Division Appropriation for the 2025-2026 Fiscal Year
Status: Enacted as Act 495 on April 8, 2025
Introduced: January 15, 2025
Classification: Appropriation Bill
Purpose and Intent
House Bill 1125 aims to allocate funding for the Department of Finance and Administration's Regulatory Division for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. The bill provides appropriations for personal services, operating expenses, and various regulatory programs, ensuring the division can effectively carry out its responsibilities.
Key Provisions
The bill includes several key sections that outline appropriations for different areas within the Regulatory Division:
1. Regular Salaries
- Total appropriation for regular salaries: $2,870,188
- Establishes maximum number of employees across various classifications, including:
- Regulatory Administrator
- Assistant Administrators (Administration and Enforcement)
- Regulatory Enforcement Agents
- Auditors and Administrative Specialists
2. Extra Help
- Allows for 2 temporary or part-time employees with a budget of $7,000.
3. Total Appropriations
- The total amount appropriated for personal services and operating expenses is $4,378,056. This includes:
- Personal Services Matching: $1,033,955
- Overtime: $10,000
- Maintenance and General Operations: $416,927
- Conference and Travel: $34,986
- Professional Fees: $5,000
4. Specific Program Allocations
- Sales to Minors Enforcement: $1,137,798
- Tobacco Inspection Program (Federal): $672,327
- Cigarette Fire Safety: $50,000
- Spirited and Vinoous Beverages Promotion: $300,000
- Revenue Enforcement: $1,098,089
- Untaxed Tobacco Forfeiture: $100,000
Who Would Be Affected
The bill primarily impacts the employees of the Department of Finance and Administration's Regulatory Division, including those involved in enforcement, auditing, and regulatory compliance. Additionally, it affects the public through the enforcement of regulations related to alcohol, tobacco, and safety standards.
Procedural Aspects
- Emergency Clause: The bill includes an emergency clause, allowing it to take effect immediately upon passage.
- Legislative Timeline:
- Introduced and passed through various readings and amendments in both the House and Senate.
- Enrolled and transmitted to the Governor's Office on April 3, 2025.
- Signed into law as Act 495 on April 8, 2025.
This bill represents a significant investment in regulatory oversight and enforcement, ensuring that the Department of Finance and Administration can maintain effective operations in the upcoming fiscal year.