Georgia 2023-2024 Regular Session

Georgia House Bill HR302

Introduced

2/23/23

Report Pass

3/6/23

Introduced

2/23/23

Report Pass

2/26/24

Report Pass

3/6/23

Enrolled

2/29/24

Report Pass

2/26/24

Enrolled

2/29/24

Refer

3/4/24

Passed

2/29/24

Report Pass

3/21/24

Refer

3/4/24

Enrolled

3/26/24

Report Pass

3/21/24

Enrolled

3/26/24

Passed

3/26/24

Caption

General Assembly; appropriation of funds received from certain legal judgments or settlements; provide - CA

Impact

Should HR302 be enacted, it would modify existing constitutional provisions on the appropriation of funds, particularly concerning unanticipated federal resources. This could streamline the process by which the state government accesses and manages additional federal funds, potentially enhancing the state's fiscal flexibility. Furthermore, by ensuring that funds from legal settlements are allocated to the general fund, the state may bolster its resources for public services and administration. The bill is expected to have significant implications for how financial decisions are made at the state level, ultimately impacting various sectors funded by state resources.

Summary

HR302 proposes an amendment to the state constitution regarding the management of excess, changed, or unanticipated federal funding allocated to the state. The bill stipulates that any federal funds exceeding $75 million must be appropriated by the General Assembly for specific purposes, ensuring that these funds are utilized effectively. Additionally, it addresses the allocation of revenue from legal judgments or settlements, mandating that such funds are directed into the state treasury's general fund. This resolution aims to improve financial planning and resource allocation for state projects and programs.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HR302 appears to be generally positive among proponents, who see it as a necessary update to state law that will foster better financial management. The bill is supported by those advocating for greater efficiency in government spending and resource allocation. However, there may be some concerns among critics who worry that these changes could limit oversight or transparency regarding the distribution and use of these funds, especially in relation to unexpected influxes from federal sources. Discussions in legislative sessions indicate a desire for a balanced approach to ensure accountability in utilizing funds.

Contention

Notable points of contention center on the proposed amendment's effect on fiscal autonomy and legislative oversight. Some lawmakers may express that HR302 diminishes the ability to scrutinize how additional funding is used or the potential for misuse of large sums flowing directly into the general fund. The balance between ensuring that the state can respond effectively to economic changes while maintaining a transparent and accountable appropriation process is likely to be a critical issue during further discussions on the bill.

Latest GA HR302 Activity

View All Events: GA 2023-2024 Regular Session HR302

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

GA HR29

General Assembly; appropriation of funds received from certain legal judgments or settlements; provide - CA

GA A1396

Provides member of General Assembly be referred to as Assembly Member rather than Assemblyman or Assemblywoman.

GA HB1477

Agencies; prohibit from entering into certain judgments or settlements.

GA SB108

Require levies or bonds for judgments, settlements, or protested taxes to be submitted to voters

GA H7287

Clarifies the process of depositing settlement funds from non-multi-state initiatives and require that settlements could not be spent without express general assembly authorization.

GA HSB331

A bill for an act relating to the opioid settlement fund, creating an opioid reserve account, requiring a report to the general assembly, and making appropriations.(See HF 1038.)

GA HB66

Repeal H.B. 6 - 133rd GA legacy generation resource provisions

GA SB1080

Requires the State Highway Patrol to receive a specific appropriation from the General Assembly for any single vehicle purchase in excess of $500,000, rather than $100,000

GA S0579

Requires nonprofit that receives grants or funding from the general assembly over $50,000 to provide certain information relating to employee compensation of the previous year's 5 highest compensated employees with reportable income over $100,000.

GA SB2079

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

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PA HB1330

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PA SB160

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.

PA SB1220

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.