CHEYENNE – With crossover tentatively set for Feb. 11, the Wyoming Legislature will begin work on the supplemental budget bill next week.

The bill approved by the Joint Appropriations Committee (JAC) on Monday includes $8.7 million in General Fund (GF) and Budget Reserve Account (BRA) monies, appropriations of $112.7 million from revenues contingent upon investment performance in FY2015, appropriations of $166 million from revenues contingent upon investment performance in FY2016, $4.8 million in federal funds and $7.4 million from the School Capital Construction Account.

In December, Gov. Matt Mead submitted budget recommendations to the JAC totaling $157.6 million in General Funds. In January, he revised those recommendations to $166.9 million.

The House and Senate are tentatively scheduled to begin debate on HB0001 and identical SF0001 – General Government Appropriations, commonly known as the “Budget Bill” on Feb. 11, when each body will receive identical “mirror” copies of the bill to debate. Second reading of the bill is expected on Feb. 17, followed by third reading on Feb. 19.

During the week of Feb. 23 the bodies will begin the process of reconciling the differences between the final House and Senate versions of the budget bill. Appropriation committee members first explain the differences between the final versions of the budget bills to their respective houses.

It is anticipated that a joint conference committee will be appointed and meet upon conclusion of the floor debate to resolve differences between the House and Senate versions of the budget bill. After each Chamber votes to concur on the conference committee’s action, the bill will be sent to the Governor for his consideration.

The Governor has the authority to line item veto individual items within a budget bill. Any vetoes will then be considered by both Chambers, which have the authority to override any vetoes. The budget is effective for the remainder of the 2015-2016 biennium, which runs through June 30, 2016.

The 2015 General Session tentatively continues through March 6 and will reach crossover Feb. 11, which signifies the last day for third reading on all bills in their house of origin.

The Wyoming Legislature’s 2015-2016 supplemental budget bill is now available for the public to review on the Wyoming Legislature’s Website at www.wyoleg.gov. To view House Bill 1 and identical Senate File 1, click on the “2015 Bill Tracking Information” link located on the homepage. From there, click on the “Bills” link.