Department of Public Safety Restricted Account Amendments
Impact
The enactment of HB 0330 will result in a formalized structure around the financial appropriations made to the state medical examiner. This could significantly influence the operations of the medical examiner's office, particularly concerning their budgets and how they manage funds related to highway crash deaths and related duties. The specification of the budget cap provides assurances that the funding will not exceed a designated threshold, which may help in maintaining fiscal control within the Department of Public Safety.
Summary
House Bill 0330 proposes amendments to the provisions concerning the Department of Public Safety Restricted Account, particularly the funding allocated to the state medical examiner. The bill specifically clarifies that the annual appropriation from this account to the medical examiner is limited to $100,000 each year. This measure is intended to ensure that resources for the medical examiner's office are clearly defined, enabling better financial planning and resource management within the department.
Contention
While the bill primarily seeks to clarify existing provisions, there may be discussions and concerns regarding whether a limitation on funding could potentially restrict the operational capabilities of the medical examiner's office. Stakeholders may raise questions about whether this fixed appropriation is sufficient to cover the needs related to highway fatalities, forensic examinations, and other essential services provided by the medical examiner. This might lead to future debates on adequate funding and resources required for public safety and health services.
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, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022.