General Assembly Bill No. 7287 outlines the state budget for the biennium ending June 30, 2027, detailing various appropriations from the General Fund for the fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027. The bill allocates significant funding to state agencies, including $60,694,802 for Personal Services in Legislative Management for the first year, increasing to $64,296,079 in the second year, and $15,401,961 for the Auditors of Public Accounts, rising to $16,701,328 in the following year. It introduces new legal language, such as the inclusion of "SENIORS, EQUITY AND OPPORTUNITY" in the title of the Commission on Women, Children, and Seniors, and "ACCOUNTABILITY" in the Office of Governmental. The bill also specifies funding for various programs, including $25,020,226 for Tax Relief for Elderly Renters and $50,000,000 for Private Providers, which sees a significant increase to $156,000,000 in the second year.
The bill further emphasizes enhancements in public safety, workforce development, and health services, with notable funding allocations for law enforcement training, fire training schools, and domestic workers' education. It also addresses health and social services, with increased budget provisions for community health services, rape crisis support, and school-based health clinics. The bill introduces new funding allocations for education, child welfare, and early childhood education, while also making adjustments to existing legal language to reflect the state's priorities. Overall, the bill aims to bolster state services and support for vulnerable populations, ensuring that various sectors receive necessary funding while maintaining fiscal responsibility.