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����ӰԺ House Update: 

The House completed another productive week as lawmakers third-read the $3.1 billion supplemental budget, which is now being marked up in the Senate. 

The House also perfected and third-read HBs 1663, 1607, and 1973, sponsored by Representative Seitz, which maintains current law on student athletic participation based on biological sex while preserving an exception that allows female students to compete in male-designated sports when no female option exists. 

The house also perfected and third read HCS HJR 169, sponsored by Representative Murphy, a proposed constitutional amendment known as the “Taxpayer Protection Act,” which—if approved by voters—would build on the Hancock Amendment by tightening limits on state and local revenue, spending, taxes, and debt. The measure requires voter approval for most new or increased taxes and multi-year debt, caps annual spending and property tax growth with refund mechanisms, mandates detailed mailed notices ahead of tax or bond elections, restricts certain new taxes, and establishes rules for emergency reserves and enforcement. 

����ӰԺ Senate Update: 

This week, rhe Senate made several notable moves. Lawmakers motioned to reconsider SB 1233, which was perfected last week, to remove an amendment that would have banned use of artificial intelligence for CPAs. 

On Wednesday, Senator Lincoln Hough filed his own version of the operating budget, introducing 16 appropriation bills (SB 1751–1766) covering state agencies, capital improvements, and ARPA funding. It is unprecedented for a member to introduce their own version of the budget. 

Senate President Cindy O’Laughlin announced the creation of a new Select Committee on Gaming, consolidating all gaming-related legislation under one umbrella committee (as opposed to Senate Appropriations). She will serve as chair, joined by Mike Bernskoetter, Sandy Crawford, Tracy McCreery, and Stephen Webber. 

Budget Update: 

Budget movement happened largely behind closed doors this week. In the House, all budget subcommittee chairs met privately with Budget Chair Dirk Deaton to present recommendations for their respective budget bills. 

Meanwhile, the Senate Appropriations Committee stayed busy in public hearings, receiving budget presentations from a wide slate of agencies including the State Treasurer (HB 12), Department of Revenue (HB 4), State Tax Commission (HB 4), State Lottery (HB 4), Secretary of State (HB 12), Department of Health and Senior Services (HB 11), the Public Defender (HB 12), and the General Assembly (HB 12). 

On Thursday, the Senate marked up the supplemental budget, which provides funding to line items that were under-appropriated in the current fiscal year (FY 2026). For the most part, senators stayed aligned with the House’s funding decisions, making only targeted adjustments—shifting funding sources, updating fund projections, and refining budget language where needed. 

Senate Appropriations Chair Rusty Black issued a statement this week and underscored a key priority moving forward, emphasizing that ����ӰԺ’s most vulnerable residents deserve full support. The statement made clear that day habilitation services and self-directed supports should not be reduced and noted plans, alongside committee members, to restore funding as the Senate crafts its version of the budget. 

Other News: 

The bill filing window closed on Thursday with a total of 3,055 bills for the 2026 session. 

Candidate filing opened Tuesday, February 24, for the August 4, 2026 ����ӰԺ Primary. Offices on the ballot include U.S. Representative, State Auditor, State Senate, all 163 State House seats, and various judgeships. 

Senator Travis Fitzwater was appointed to the ����ӰԺ Technology Corporation. No word yet on exactly when he will need to resign from his 10th District Senate seat. 

����ӰԺ announced it will implement a waitlist for Child Care Assistance amid record demand. Currently, 27,000 children are served statewide, with the waitlist expected to begin March 1 following a 19% increase in demand since January 2025. 

2026 Dates of Interest: 

March 12-22: Legislative Spring Break (No Session) 

Monday, April 6: Easter Holiday (No Session) 

Friday, May 8: Deadline to Pass a Balanced Budget for FY 2027 

Friday, May 15: Last Day of Session 

Wednesday, September 16: Veto Session