On Thursday the Alaska House is slated to consider legislation that would limit a governor’s ability to accept and appropriate funds beyond what the Legislature appropriates.
The bill was spurred by Governor Bill Walker’s move last year where he accepted federal funding to expand Medicaid after lawmakers had delayed the expansion for further review.
A lawsuit by legislators was filed to overturn the expansion but a state court judge ruled against them.
Anchorage Representative Mike Hawker included language in the new bill that stipulates how the governor can accept and spend money not appropriated during the legislative session.
Walker’s spokeswoman says the governor will not comment until a bill is on his desk.
The bill was initially set to be heard today but was held.