A Constitutional Amendment Concerning The Consideration Of Bills Other Than Appropriation Bills During A Fiscal Session Of The General Assembly.
The amendment would significantly affect the legislative process in Arkansas. Currently, fiscal sessions are restricted to consideration of appropriation bills only, which can stymie the introduction of relevant legislative measures that might align with budget considerations. By lifting this restriction, HJR1011 seeks to enhance the capacity of legislators to address pressing concerns without having to wait for a regular session, potentially leading to more timely and responsive governance.
HJR1011 proposes to amend the Arkansas Constitution to allow non-appropriation bills to be considered during fiscal sessions of the General Assembly. Specifically, it states that such bills may be introduced within a designated period, seven days before and after the commencement of a fiscal session, provided that two-thirds of the members in both legislative houses approve the move. This aims to create more flexibility in legislative activities during important fiscal discussions.
There are potential points of contention surrounding HJR1011. Proponents argue that the bill will streamline legislative functions and allow for critical non-appropriation measures to be deliberated alongside budgetary concerns. However, critics may express apprehension about the implications of introducing various bills during a fiscal session, as this could disrupt the focus on financial matters and lead to complex decision-making scenarios where fiscal and legislative priorities collide.