Bill
AR 199
Requires a 14-day lead time and at least four quorum sessions before the annual budget act can be considered on third reading, delaying and widening budget deliberations.
A. Overview
- Bill/Resolution: AR 199 (Introduced as an Assembly Resolution)
- Title: Requires 14 days between introduction and consideration of the annual appropriations act in the General Assembly
- Purpose: To supplement the General Assembly Rules to ensure a minimum discussion period and additional deliberative meetings before the annual appropriations act can be considered on third reading.
- Status: Introduced in the Assembly; Referred to the Assembly Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations Committee
- Introduced: July 24, 2025
- Classification: Resolution
- Subject: Legislature
- Effective Date: Immediate upon adoption
B. Key Provisions
- New Rule: Rule 15:30 — Bill to Enact Annual Appropriations Act
- a) Introduction Timing: The bill to enact the annual appropriations act must be introduced no fewer than 14 days before the day the bill may be considered on third reading.
- b) Scheduling Requirement: The Speaker must schedule a minimum of four quorums of the General Assembly in the period between the bill’s introduction and its consideration on third reading.
- Effective Date: The resolution takes effect immediately upon adoption.
C. What the Measure Does
- Creates a formal delay and deliberation framework for the annual appropriations act (the state budget bill) by:
- Ensuring a minimum 14-day lead time between introduction and potential third-reading consideration.
- Mandating at least four quorum sessions to facilitate discussion, questions, amendments, and deliberation prior to final consideration.
D. Affected Parties and Stakeholders
- General Assembly members and leadership (including the Speaker)
- Assembly staff and legislative committees involved with budgeting and appropriations
- Public stakeholders and budget observers seeking greater transparency and time for review
E. Procedural and Timeline Implications
- Procedural Change: Adds a binding rule to the Assembly Rules, not a statute, requiring the budget bill to follow a structured timeline and enhanced scheduling.
- Deliberation Window: Creates a defined window for debate and scrutiny before third reading.
- Immediate Effect: If enacted, the rule would apply immediately to future annual appropriations acts, influencing how quickly the budget bill could advance after introduction.
- Legislative Path: As a resolution, it would need passage by the Assembly; potential companion measures or Senate action could be required for full mutual adoption or alignment.
F. Potential Impacts and Considerations
- Pros: Increased time for discussion, potential broader stakeholder input, greater transparency in the budgeting process.
- Cons: Could slow the timeline for budget passage and potentially impact urgent funding needs if not accommodated by schedule.
- Fiscal/Scheduling Considerations: Requires leadership to plan multiple quorums and ensure compliance with the new rule in the annual budgeting cycle.
G. Next Steps
- Committee action in the Assembly Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations Committee
- Floor consideration and potential passage by the Assembly
- If adopted, potential need for Senate action or parallel resolution to harmonize processes.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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