Kentucky House Bill HB602

Kentucky 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/20/24
• Refer: 2/20/24
• Refer: 2/22/24
• Report Pass: 2/27/24
• Engrossed: 3/1/24
• Refer: 3/1/24
• Refer: 3/4/24
• Report Pass: 3/28/24
• Enrolled: 3/28/24
• Chaptered: 4/4/24
• Passed: 4/4/24

Caption

AN ACT relating to authorizing the payment of certain claims against the state which have been duly audited and approved according to law and have not been paid because of the lapsing or insufficiency of former appropriations against which the claims were chargeable or the lack of an appropriate procurement document in place, making an appropriation therefor, and declaring an emergency.

Impact

If enacted, HB 602 will streamline the financial obligations of the state by ensuring that claims that have already been verified and approved can be compensated. This could enhance the state's fiscal responsibility by addressing outstanding liabilities and may improve funding relationships with service providers and contractors who have rendered services in good faith but were left without payment due to administrative delays. The impact on state laws will be primarily seen in the management of appropriation documents and financial accountability within state finances.

Summary

House Bill 602 authorizes the payment of specific claims against the state of Kentucky that had been duly audited and approved but remained unpaid due to the lapsing of prior appropriations or lack of appropriate procurement documentation. This bill outlines various claims totaling significant amounts for different entities and individuals, detailing the specific payments to be made from the general fund, transportation fund, and federal funds within the State Treasury. The provision of these payments aims to rectify financial liabilities that have lingered due to administrative oversights or funding inefficiencies.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 602 seems to be largely practical and supportive, with understanding of the necessity to clear unpaid claims from the state's records. Legislators expressed views that are generally concerned with financial efficacy and accountability, indicating a bipartisan appreciation for the bill as a means to ensure that the state meets its financial commitments. There is little recorded opposition to the bill, which suggests a general consensus on the importance of resolving these claims to uphold trust in state operations.

Contention

While the bill primarily deals with administrative and fiscal housekeeping, the potential contention might arise around the allocation of funds from different state resources. Lawmakers might debate the prioritization of these claims in the context of other funding demands within the state budget, especially in light of limited resources and competing financial obligations. Additionally, the emergency declaration within the bill highlights an urgency that some may scrutinize, questioning if all claimed entities are deserving of expedited payment.