Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem says the Public Employees Retirement System and Retirement and Investment Office can continue to function – despite the Legislature’s failure to pass a budget bill for those agencies.
In an opinion, Stenehjem said the agencies have the implied authority to spend money on salaries and operating expenses. He said that’s because the agencies are self-funded, and have continuing appropriation authority.
The Legislature adjourned without passing Senate Bill 2022, the budget bill for the agencies.
Stenehjem cautioned that any spending must be done prudently.
Next week, a special committee will meet to try and work out differences between the House and Senate versions of SB 20022. A reconvened session is tentatively scheduled June 16th.
