Arizona House Bill HCR2038

Arizona 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/23
• Report Pass: 2/15/23
• Report Pass: 2/27/23

Caption

Continuing appropriation budget; enactment; timeframe

Impact

If enacted, HCR2038 would fundamentally alter the budgetary landscape of Arizona by establishing clearer guidelines for how funds can be allocated. This amendment stipulates that the legislature must pass a general appropriation bill by the forty-fifth day of each regular session, ensuring that state departments, public schools, and institutions receive at least the same funding levels as previous years, adjusted for inflation and growth in enrollment. This requirement could stabilize funding for essential public services at a time when fiscal resources are a key concern.

Summary

HCR2038 is a concurrent resolution proposing an amendment to the Arizona Constitution, specifically targeting Article IV, Part 2, Section 20, which governs appropriation bills. The bill intends to streamline the budgetary process by enforcing stricter regulations concerning the contents of appropriation bills. Its primary goal is to ensure that the general appropriation bill only includes allocations for state departments, public schools, state institutions, and public debt interest, while mandating that any other appropriations are made through separate bills that focus on single subjects.

Contention

HCR2038 may be met with both support and opposition. Proponents argue that this amendment enhances fiscal responsibility and transparency in the state's budgetary process, preventing bloated appropriations that can obscure funding priorities. Conversely, opponents might contend that it could limit the flexibility of lawmakers to respond to emergent funding needs and might hinder the legislative process by channeling funds through a rigid framework. Ensuring sufficient funding for essential services like education amidst changing demographics and economic conditions will likely remain a critical point of debate.