With 27 yays , 1 nay (Tarr) and 6 absent, HB 4575 passed the Senate Saturday morning. The Hancock County rescue bill contains $8 million in funding to assist any county experiencing financial distress, but it was created and sponsored by Del. Pat McGeehan to ensure teachers and staff in the county continue to receive their paychecks.
The bill was amended in the Senate by Sen. Ryan Weld (R-1st) to clarify that the money is a loan. The change in language from the bill as it left the House, means the House will have to concur with the change.
Should the House refuse to concur, the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate appoint a conference committee comprised of either 3-5 delegates and 3-5 senators. The job of the conference committee is to arrive at compromise language and report to both the House and Senate they have come to agreement and recommend the conference committee bill pass. If no agreement is reached, the bill dies.
While sponsor of the bill, Del. Pat McGeehan notes nothing is certain, he said he is confident the House will concur.
