Legislative Update: A lot of unknowns, special session TBD

The 2025 legislative session ended on May 19 with significant work remaining to complete the state budget for the next biennium. While it had been a given for the last few days of the session that the Legislature would not finish its work on time, it was nonetheless disappointing how little they accomplished during the regular session. We are pleased that they did pass the Legacy bill on before adjournment, but there is still much to be done.

Based on an agreement among legislative leaders, key negotiators are continuing to meet to iron out the details. What were conference committees during the regular session have become “working groups” and are continuing their efforts—albeit behind closed doors—to resolve outstanding issues in the various budget bills.

Leaders had set a 5:00pm Wednesday, May 21, deadline for working groups to finalize their budget spreadsheets and sign off on bill language. They blew past multiple deadlines with no clear indication of what exactly is causing negotiations to stall, and with much of the activity being done in secret. 

It appears that only after all the items are finalized will the Governor call the Legislature back for a short special session to complete the budget. Stay tuned for another legislative update reflecting on the other developments since the last day of session.

If you have any questions on these developments or our legislative work, you can reach out to GMPT Lobbyist Elizabeth Wefel at eawefel@flaherty-hood.com.