Senate panel approves $139.2 million budget for Department of Law

The Senate Finance Department of Law Subcommittee approved a $139.2 million operating budget for the Department of Law on Tuesday, advancing the fiscal year 2027 spending plan without changes to the department's requests.

The approved budget represents a modest increase from recent years. The department's fiscal year 2025 operating budget totaled $132.5 million, while the fiscal year 2026 budget stood at $136.8 million, reflecting a steady upward trajectory in funding levels. The subcommittee's decision to accept the department's requests without modification suggests alignment between the executive branch's priorities and legislative oversight, though the hearing included no discussion of how the increased funding will affect the department's operations or priorities.

The budget includes $89.7 million in unrestricted general funds, $3.1 million in designated general funds, $43.8 million in other funds, and $2.6 million in federal funds. The department will maintain 601 permanent full-time positions.

The subcommittee accepted the department's requests in both the criminal and civil divisions. No organizational structure changes were included in the budget.

Kelly Good, staff to Senator Olson, presented the budget closeout to the three-member subcommittee. The panel, chaired by Senator Scott Kawasaki and including Senator Myers and Senator Olson, voted without objection to move the budget forward.

The subcommittee hearing included no public testimony or input from stakeholders outside the legislative process. The panel moved the budget forward based solely on the department's requests and staff presentation.

Kawasaki also moved to give the legislative finance division authority to make technical or conforming changes to the budget. The motion passed without objection.

The budget now advances to the full Senate Finance Committee for consideration. The subcommittee adjourned at 5:51 p.m.