If approved, this bill would amend Article V, Section 12 of the Arizona Constitution, which currently governs how salaries for state officers are established and modified. The new structure would empower a commission, composed of five members appointed by key legislative and judicial figures, to determine and recommend salaries, allowing for potentially more adaptive compensation that could respond to fiscal realities and public service demands more nimbly than the existing framework. Legislative salaries are to remain under direct legislative control but would yield to the commission's recommendations if approved by voters.
HCR2063 is a concurrent resolution introduced in the Arizona House of Representatives proposing an amendment to the Arizona Constitution regarding the compensation of elective state officers. The bill primarily focuses on the process by which the salaries of state officers, excluding legislators, are determined. It suggests the creation of a 'commission on salaries for elective state officers' which would make recommendations regarding salaries to the Governor, who would then forward these recommendations to the legislature. The proposed changes aim to modernize the salary-setting process to increase efficiency and accountability.
Discussions surrounding HCR2063 may spur debate on the appropriateness of shifting salary-setting authority away from a direct legislative process to a commission. Opponents could argue that this shift may dilute accountability since legislators who are responsible for budget appropriations might not have as direct a hand in salary decisions. Furthermore, the inclusion of a voter referendum to approve commission recommendations could introduce political considerations that complicate what should be a straightforward compensation issue. The amendment would necessitate careful consideration to ensure that elected officials remain adequately compensated while maintaining public trust.