2019 House Bill 5175

Restrict fund-shifts in legislative appropriations

Introduced in the House

Oct. 29, 2019

Introduced by Rep. Ben Frederick (R-85)

To revise a law that prohibits a state administrative board from shifting funds in an appropriation approved by the legislature for a specified purpose to something else, but allows an “inter-transfer funds within the appropriation.” Under the bill, an inter-transfer of appropriations “must not be made if it will increase or decrease an item of appropriation by more than 3% or $125,000.00, whichever is greater…” or if an item is “increased or decreased by more than $200,000.00 in the aggregate.” This relates to a dispute between Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Republican-controlled legislature over fund transfers in the 2019-20 state budget that House and Senate leaders assert are excessive and improper.

Referred to the Committee on Government Operations

Nov. 6, 2019

Reported without amendment

Without amendment and with the recommendation that the bill pass.