As Sine Die draws near on April 25, legislators are working to hammer out a final deal on the biennial budgets while others are working to reach a “grand bargain” on a statewide transportation package. On top of that, bills continue to wind their way through the final segment of the legislative process. There is still a lot left to do in this legislative session.

Budget negotiations

Budget writers have begun negotiations on a final budget deal. Thank you to the more than 100 city officials who added their names to our letter highlighting city budget priorities. We need to keep attention focused on these priorities if they are to be part of the final budget agreements.

A grand bargain?

A big question remains: will they reach a grand bargain on a statewide transportation package? At this late date in session, it would seem like a bridge too far. Yet last week the Senate passed a carbon-based funding bill referred to as cap and invest, SB 5126, and the low carbon fuels legislation, HB 1091, both of which are considered key pieces of any statewide transportation funding proposal.

Cities identified passing a transportation package as a priority for 2021 and we continue to work with legislators and other stakeholders to push for a package this year. Cities have asked that any package focus on preservation and maintenance along with significant funding for local needs, including for locally owned fish-blocking culvert replacement. As they say, “It’s not over until it’s over,” so keep talking with your legislators about supporting a transportation funding and spending package that is good for cities. You never know what might happen in the last days of the session. For more on the transportation package proposals check out this week’s article.

Final bill action

We have updated the AWC bill Hot Sheet with the latest status on bills important to cities based on the most recent legislative action and cutoff deadlines.

Technically bills that aren’t related to the budget had to pass the opposite house by Sunday, April 11 or they were considered “dead” for this session. As you know, the Legislature can bend this rule whenever needed—no bill is truly “dead.” However, most bills had to meet that cutoff deadline. Bills that were amended in the opposite house must now return to their house of origin for concurrence.

Bills that pass both chambers then head to the Governor’s desk for signature. Bills that reach the Governor before Sine Die must be enacted within five days. After Sine Die, the Governor has 20 days (not counting Sundays) to sign or veto a bill.

If you need help understanding the legislative process or have additional questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Government Relations team.