Bill > SF4112

This bill establishes an "essential public health functions contingency account" within the state treasury to address unexpected reductions or eliminations in federal funding for critical public health activities. These essential functions include investigating and controlling disease outbreaks, testing for diseases, alerting the public and health systems to threats, and preventing the spread of illness, as well as responding to waterborne disease outbreaks. The account will be funded by a one-time transfer from the general fund in fiscal year 2026. The Commissioner of Health can only use money from this account if they determine that federal funding for these essential functions has been unexpectedly reduced or eliminated after March 1, 2025, and that additional funding is necessary to continue these services. Before any money is spent, the Commissioner must notify legislative committees with jurisdiction over health and human services finance and policy and seek review from the Legislative Advisory Commission. The Commissioner is also required to report annually on any expenditures made from the account, detailing the federal funding shortfall, the amount spent, and the purpose of the spending.