The Appropriations - Government Operations Division approved an amendment to House Bill 1524 that would authorize the Department of Commerce to award grants to regional planning councils to support local and regional implementation of state-authorized programs, including housing initiatives, regional workforce programs, rural catalyst projects and local food and grocery efforts.

Senator Dwyer, who moved the amendment, described it as “a complete hog house amendment,” saying the change removes a requirement to develop biennial work plans and eliminates a separate appropriation so the department may award grants under its existing authority. Dwyer said the amendment “authorizes as a policy matter the Department of Commerce to award grants to regional planning councils” and that funding would be considered as part of the Commerce Committee’s budget in conference rather than included directly in the bill.

The amendment drew cautious support and some reservation. Senator Sickler said, “I appreciate the work, Senator Dwyer,” but added he would still vote no because he was concerned about the state providing operating dollars to regional planning councils even while acknowledging “the fantastic work they do.” Senator Dwyer noted the amendment does not appropriate money in HB1524 itself: “So far, we’re not putting any funding in here,” he said, adding that any funding would be handled in the Commerce budget process.

Committee members noted regional planning councils already receive support from local job development and economic development authorities in larger cities and are seen as a potential on-the-ground resource to help smaller, rural communities access state grant programs. Dwyer said there have already been inquiries from rural communities about how to access housing and other grant funding, and that regional councils could help facilitate that work.

The committee adopted the amendment (Amendment No. 03001) on a voice/roll call and later moved the bill forward. A subsequent committee vote approved a due-pass recommendation on House Bill 1524 as amended. The roll-call on the due-pass motion recorded votes as: Chairman Wojcick — Yes; Senator Burghardt — Yes; Senator Dwyer — Yes; Senator Erbilie — Aye; Senator Sickler — No. That motion passed 4 to 1. Senator Dwyer will carry the bill.

The amendment text removes the original sections referencing biennial work plans and the standalone appropriation, and replaces them with policy language authorizing Commerce to award grants to regional planning councils for state-authorized programs. The committee discussion made clear the amendment itself does not include a funding amount; any appropriation for the authorized grants would be addressed in the upcoming Commerce budget negotiations and conference committee work.

The committee proceeded to other agenda items after the vote.