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Bill

AB 1

Revises provisions relating to governmental administration. (BDR 19-22)

36th (2026) Special Session

AB 1 ensures state agencies have funding for operations in 2024-25, modifies legal fee payments, and enhances transparency in managing legal expenditures.

Chapter 4.
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Bill Summary · AB 1

Summary of AB 1 - Budget Act of 2024

Bill Number: AB 1
Title: Budget Act of 2024
Status: From committee without further action
Introduced: December 02, 2024
Classification: Bill, Appropriation
Subject: Budget Act of 2024

Purpose and Intent

The Budget Act of 2024 aims to provide appropriations for the support of state government operations for the 2024–25 fiscal year. This bill seeks to amend the existing Budget Act by making specific changes to appropriations, ensuring that state agencies have the necessary funding to operate effectively.

Key Provisions

  1. Amendments to Existing Appropriations:

    • The bill modifies Section 5.25 of the Budget Act, which pertains to the payment of attorney’s fees arising from state court actions against the state and its officials.
    • Payments for attorney’s fees will be made from the appropriations supporting the respective agency involved in the legal action.

  2. Expenditure Guidelines:

    • Expenditures related to attorney’s fees must be approved by the Director of Finance and will be charged to the fiscal year in which the disbursement occurs.
    • Payments will only be made in full and final satisfaction of claims related to a single action.

  3. Augmentation of Appropriations:

    • The Department of Finance can augment appropriations for defending the state against federal actions, with a cap of $25 million.
    • These funds can be encumbered until June 30, 2026, and expended until June 30, 2028.

  4. Reporting Requirements:

    • The Department of Justice is required to report annually on the use of funds allocated for legal actions against the federal government, including details on outside counsel and administrative actions taken.

  5. Website for Transparency:

    • The Department of Justice must maintain a website detailing litigation funded by this act, ensuring transparency and public access to information about ongoing legal actions.

  6. Legislative Findings:

    • The bill identifies other related bills that provide appropriations, ensuring that they are recognized as part of the overall budget framework.

Impact

  • Affected Entities: The bill primarily impacts state agencies, departments, and the Department of Justice, as it outlines how they can manage legal costs and appropriations.
  • Legal and Financial Oversight: By establishing clear guidelines for attorney’s fees and legal actions, the bill aims to enhance financial oversight and accountability within state operations.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill is classified as a Budget Bill and is set to take effect immediately upon passage.
  • The legislative process has seen the bill referred to various committees, with amendments made before its current status of being from committee without further action as of February 3, 2025.

Conclusion

AB 1 is a critical legislative measure that addresses the financial management of state operations for the upcoming fiscal year, particularly in relation to legal expenditures. By amending existing appropriations and establishing reporting requirements, the bill seeks to ensure that state agencies are adequately funded while maintaining transparency and accountability in their legal dealings.

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

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