Provides for the establishment of a joint budget committee on conference to resolve differences between legislation passed by the senate and assembly

Title of bill

An act to amend the legislative law, in relation to providing for a joint budget committee on conference to resolve differences between similar but not identical legislation passed by the senate and assembly

Purpose

The intent of this bill is to codify the current practice of convening a joint budget committee on conference which is open to the public.

Summary of provisions

Section 1 creates a requirement that the joint budget committee on conference convene within two days of the passage of similar budget bills and/or resolutions in the respective houses of the Legislature, and sets forth the structure and procedures of such committee.

Section 2 provides that this bill shall take effect immediately.

Justification

This bill assures the continued open cooperation of the two houses of the New York State Legislature in resolving differences in their respective legislation. The Joint Budget Committee on Conference is an indispensable part of the state budget process. Meetings are open to the public. Without the committee structure during the budget process, it would be nearly impossible to reconcile the differences in budget legislation corning from the different houses. This bill codifies a structure which facilitates collegial communication between the respective houses of the Legislature and thereby aids in streamlining the legislative process under which the State of New York finalizes its annual operating budget.

Legislative history

06/22/06 Passed Senate. 01/09/08 REFERRED TO INVESTIGATIONS AND GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

Immediate.