Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SSB3176

Introduced
2/17/26  

Caption

A bill for an act establishing continuing appropriations in fiscal years for which the general assembly does not pass an annual budget.(See SF 2388, SF 2461.)

Impact

If enacted, SSB3176 would significantly impact the fiscal operations of state government by allowing for the continuation of identified appropriations in years where a budget has not been passed by the legislature before July 1. This ensures that public services can continue uninterrupted, even amidst potential legislative gridlock. The bill empowers the Department of Management and Legislative Services Agency to determine and allocate necessary amounts based on prior year expenditures, effectively safeguarding essential services from potential budgetary crises.

Summary

Senate Study Bill 3176 proposes the establishment of continuing appropriations in the event that the Iowa General Assembly does not pass an annual budget. This legislative measure aims to ensure that state funding is available for government entities, providing a seamless transition from one fiscal year to the next without lapses in financial support. The bill clarifies the mechanisms by which prior fiscal year appropriations will be identified and maintained until new appropriations are enacted, thereby maintaining operational continuity for state services and programs.

Contention

The bill may encounter opposition based on concerns about its implications for legislative authority and fiscal accountability. Critics may argue that allowing for automatic continuations of funding could diminish the incentive for lawmakers to negotiate and pass timely budgets. Additionally, there may be apprehension regarding the categorization of appropriations and ensuring that funds are not misallocated, particularly in identifying which appropriations are deemed necessary for continuation. The clarity and precision in the definitions and procedures outlined in the bill will be critical for addressing such concerns.

Companion Bills

IA SF2388

Replaced by A bill for an act establishing continuing appropriations in fiscal years for which the general assembly does not pass an annual budget.(Formerly SSB 3176; See SF 2461.)

IA SF2461

Replaced by A bill for an act establishing continuing appropriations in fiscal years for which annual appropriations have not been enacted.(Formerly SF 2388, SSB 3176.)

Previously Filed As

IA SF2388

A bill for an act establishing continuing appropriations in fiscal years for which the general assembly does not pass an annual budget.(Formerly SSB 3176; See SF 2461.)

IA SF2461

A bill for an act establishing continuing appropriations in fiscal years for which annual appropriations have not been enacted.(Formerly SF 2388, SSB 3176.)

IA SF2209

A bill for an act relating to the payment of per diem to members of the general assembly.(See SF 2389.)

IA SF2268

A bill for an act establishing an Iowa-Ireland trade commission and making appropriations.(See SF 2411.)

IA SSB3079

A bill for an act relating to county veterans services and making appropriations.(See SF 2282, SF 2466.)

IA HJ29

Providing for certain Joint Assemblies, establishing a schedule for the conduct of business coming before the 2026 Regular Session of the General Assembly of Virginia, and providing for legislative continuity between the 2026 and 2027 Regular Sessions of the General Assembly.

IA SF2282

A bill for an act relating to veterans services and making appropriations.(Formerly SSB 3079; See SF 2466.)

IA SB1

An Act For The Expenses For The Arkansas Senate Of The Ninety-fifth General Assembly Appropriation For The 2025 Fiscal Year.

IA HCR14

Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2025 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2026 through 2034.

IA A1396

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

Similar Bills

MD SB282

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB390

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB0390

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB350

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

MD SB319

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

PA HB1330

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of certain agencies of the Executive Department 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.

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.