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SB 2079

Appropriations; creating Flat Budget Act; prohibiting state agency from receiving more funds for fiscal year 2027 than was received in 2026. Effective date. Emergency.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Shane Jett

SB 2079 freezes state agency budgets at 2026 levels for fiscal year 2027, preventing any funding increases regardless of inflation, demand, or legal obligations.

Second Reading referred to Rules
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 2079

Legislative bill overview

SB 2079 creates the "Flat Budget Act," which caps state agency funding for fiscal year 2027 at the exact amount each agency received in fiscal year 2026. No agency may receive appropriations exceeding their prior-year allocation, effectively freezing budget growth across state government for that fiscal year.

Why is this important

Budget freezes directly affect government operations, services, and personnel. This mechanism prevents agencies from responding to inflation, population growth, increased demand, or new statutory obligations without reallocating internal resources. The emergency designation suggests the sponsor wants rapid passage before normal legislative timelines would allow.

Potential points of contention

  • Inflation impact: A flat budget effectively reduces purchasing power if inflation occurs, potentially forcing service cuts or employee reductions without explicit authorization
  • Statutory obligations: Some agencies may be legally mandated to spend certain amounts (federal matching requirements, debt service, pension obligations), creating conflicts with the cap
  • Unequal burden: Different agencies face varying cost pressures; a uniform freeze may disproportionately harm some while leaving others unaffected
  • Emergency declaration: The emergency status bypasses normal deliberation and public comment periods, raising questions about procedural fairness
  • Economic flexibility: Removes legislative ability to respond to crises, emergencies, or revenue changes mid-fiscal year

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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