The House Appropriations — Government Operations Division on an amendment added a $242,900 biennial unclaimed‑property audit compliance position and $550,000 labeled as an "equity"/salary adjustment package to Senate Bill 2013, and the committee carried the measures by roll call vote.

Committee Chair Munson opened discussion on a proposed unclaimed‑property auditor after staff said the office is currently staffed with one director, one holder‑claims worker, one part‑time outreach/claims staffer and one full‑time claims processor. Joseph, an Unclaimed Property staff member, told the committee that adding an auditor‑level FTE “could produce 150 more holder reports a year,” and staff estimate that would recapture about $1 million a year for rightful owners and free existing staff to meet the statutory 90‑day claim processing requirement.

The committee discussed office costs and funding sources. Representative Fisher noted that the Unclaimed Property unit pays the Common Schools Trust Fund an internal rent transfer, and quoted a per‑square‑foot internal rate of $16.21; Joseph confirmed the payment is an internal transfer and said the program operates on earnings and special funds rather than the general fund.

Several members signaled support for the added FTE as a return‑on‑investment. Representative Meyer recommended prioritizing salary adjustments for staff below recommended minimums; other members suggested $500,000 and then $550,000 as a compromise on the overall adjustment package. Committee staff recorded the amendment to include the $242,900 unclaimed‑property position and $550,000 for salary adjustments.

Representative Kempnick moved the amendment to Senate Bill 2013 as shown on the committee worksheet; Representative Bosch seconded. The clerk took the roll call and the motion carried. Representative Kempnick then moved the amended bill for "do pass;" Representative Fisher seconded, the clerk again took the roll, and the committee approved the amended bill for further action.

The committee concluded by encouraging members to check the Unclaimed Property website for their own possible claims; staff reminded the group the FTE and salary adjustments are funded from special funds, not from the general fund.

Votes at a glance

- Motion: Amend Senate Bill 2013 to add unclaimed property audit compliance position ($242,900 biennium) and $550,000 for salary adjustments. Mover: Representative Kempnick; Second: Representative Bosch. Outcome: approved on roll call.

- Motion: Move amended Senate Bill 2013 for "do pass." Mover: Representative Kempnick; Second: Representative Fisher. Outcome: approved on roll call.

What the amendment does and what it does not do

The amendment adds one funded compliance position for the Unclaimed Property division at $242,900 for the biennium and an additional $550,000 package described in committee as salary/retention adjustments for special‑fund agencies. Committee members explicitly discussed that the Unclaimed Property office operates from earnings/special funds; committee discussion stated these are not general fund appropriations.