Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SF2388

Introduced

2/19/26

Refer

2/24/26

Caption

A bill for an act establishing continuing appropriations in fiscal years for which the general assembly does not pass an annual budget.(Formerly SSB 3176; See SF 2461.)

Impact

If enacted, SF2388 would significantly impact how appropriations are handled during fiscal years where the budget is not passed on time. By allowing for automatic appropriations based on prior fiscal allocations, the bill provides financial stability to state organizations. Such a mechanism could improve predictability in funding and mitigate risks associated with budgetary delays, ultimately promoting continuity in governance and service delivery.

Summary

Senate File 2388 establishes a framework for continuing appropriations in the event that the Iowa General Assembly does not pass an annual budget by July 1 of the fiscal year. The bill aims to ensure that state entities continue to receive funding based on the amounts appropriated in the previous fiscal year, thereby preventing disruptions in state services. This legislative initiative responds to concerns that a failure to adopt a timely budget could lead to operational challenges for state agencies and essential public services.

Contention

Despite its potential benefits, SF2388 may face challenges and opposition. Critics may argue that relying on previous year's appropriations does not account for current fiscal realities or changing funding needs. This could result in insufficient funding for programs that require adjustments based on new priorities or demands. Additionally, debates may arise around the implications for legislative power and control over state finance, with some fearing that it could reduce the General Assembly's accountability regarding budgetary decisions.

Companion Bills

IA SSB3176

Related A bill for an act establishing continuing appropriations in fiscal years for which the general assembly does not pass an annual budget.(See SF 2388, SF 2461.)

IA SF2461

Similar To A bill for an act establishing continuing appropriations in fiscal years for which annual appropriations have not been enacted.(Formerly SF 2388, SSB 3176.)

Previously Filed As

IA SSB3176

A bill for an act establishing continuing appropriations in fiscal years for which the general assembly does not pass an annual budget.(See SF 2388, SF 2461.)

IA SF2461

A bill for an act establishing continuing appropriations in fiscal years for which annual appropriations have not been enacted.(Formerly SF 2388, SSB 3176.)

IA SF2282

A bill for an act relating to veterans services and making appropriations.(Formerly SSB 3079; See SF 2466.)

IA SF2389

A bill for an act relating to the payment of per diem to members of the general assembly.(Formerly SF 2209.)

IA SF2466

A bill for an act relating to veterans services and making appropriations.(Formerly SF 2282, SSB 3079.)

IA SF2268

A bill for an act establishing an Iowa-Ireland trade commission and making appropriations.(See SF 2411.)

IA SF2363

A bill for an act providing for the conversion of partnerships into other forms of domestic or foreign organizations, and providing for fees.(Formerly SSB 3160; See SF 2468.)

IA HF2180

A bill for an act establishing a service animal training grant program for veterans, providing fees, and making appropriations.(See HF 2467.)

IA HF2743

A bill for an act creating the Iowa rural health transformation fund and making appropriations.(Formerly HF 2468, HSB 619.)

IA HCR14

Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2025 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2026 through 2034.

Similar Bills

MD HB390

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD SB282

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB350

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

MD SB319

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

PA HB1330

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of certain agencies of the Executive Department for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.

PA SB160

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.

PA SB280

PA SB1161

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.