Florida 2024 Regular Session

Florida House Bill H0703

Introduced
12/4/23  
Introduced
12/4/23  
Engrossed
1/9/24  
Refer
12/4/23  
Refer
1/11/24  
Engrossed
1/9/24  
Passed
2/1/24  
Refer
1/11/24  
Passed
2/1/24  
Engrossed
2/1/24  
Passed
4/2/24  
Enrolled
2/1/24  

Caption

Balanced Federal Budget

Impact

If enacted, H0703 could significantly amend the framework under which federal budgets are managed, fundamentally altering the federal government's ability to operate with deficits. It reflects a growing sentiment among several states that advocate for constitutional amendments designed to impose tighter controls and accountability on federal fiscal operations. This could lead to broad implications for funding at both state and local levels, as shifts in federal funding could affect state programs reliant on federal support.

Summary

House Bill H0703, titled 'Balanced Federal Budget', seeks to apply to Congress for a convention aimed at proposing an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would require a balanced federal budget. The legislative intent emphasizes fiscal discipline and aims to prevent federal appropriations from exceeding estimated federal revenues in any fiscal year. The bill builds on previous resolutions from the Florida Legislature advocating for similar constitutional amendments, underscoring a continued push towards fiscal accountability at the federal level.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB H0703 is divisive. Proponents argue that enacting such an amendment is crucial for addressing national debt and ensuring long-term economic stability, while opponents caution that it may lead to unintended consequences, such as cuts to essential services or programs during economic downturns. The debate encapsulates broader concerns about fiscal policy, governance, and the scope of authority exercised by the federal government versus states.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the implications of restricting federal funding capacities, which some fear could stave off necessary federal discretionary spending during exigent circumstances. Critics of the measure posit that enshrining such constraints in the constitutional framework may limit the federal government's responsiveness to a dynamic economic environment, presenting significant challenges for maintaining public welfare during crises.

Companion Bills

FL S0324

Same As Balanced Federal Budget

Previously Filed As

FL H0189

Balancing the Federal Budget

FL S0245

Federal Balanced Budget Amendment

FL H0523

Balancing the Federal Budget

FL AJR27

Convention of states for proposing an amendment to the United States Constitution: federal balanced budget.

FL HB1095

Adopts the Compact for a Balanced Budget

FL HCR70

Applies to congress under U.S. Const. Art. V to call a convention of the states to propose a U.S. constitutional amendment to require a balanced budget

FL SCR35

Applies to Congress for Article V Convention of States to require balanced federal budget, impose term limits, and revise method of awarding electoral votes.

FL SCR81

Applies to Congress for Article V Convention of States to require balanced federal budget, impose term limits, and revise method of awarding electoral votes.

FL SB959

Relating to the adoption of the Compact for a Balanced Budget.

FL HJ13

Resolution for Article V Convention for a balanced budget amendment

Similar Bills

CA AJR27

Convention of states for proposing an amendment to the United States Constitution: federal balanced budget.

AL SJR57

RESCINDING ALL PREVIOUS RESOLUTIONS OF THE ALABAMA LEGISLATURE WHICH REQUEST CONGRESS TO CALL A CONVENTION PURSUANT TO ARTICLE V OF THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION.

AL HJR104

RESCINDING ALL PREVIOUS RESOLUTIONS OF THE ALABAMA LEGISLATURE WHICH REQUEST CONGRESS TO CALL A CONVENTION PURSUANT TO ARTICLE V OF THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION.

HI HR97

Urging And Applying To The Congress Of The United States Under The Provisions Of Article V Of The Constitution Of The United States For The Calling Of A Convention Of The States, Limited To Proposing Amendments To The Constitution Of The United States That Limit The Terms Of Office For Officials Of The Federal Government And Members Of Congress.

HI HCR101

Urging And Applying To The Congress Of The United States Under The Provisions Of Article V Of The Constitution Of The United States For The Calling Of A Convention Of The States, Limited To Proposing Amendments To The Constitution Of The United States That Limit The Terms Of Office For Officials Of The Federal Government And Members Of Congress.

HI HCR15

Urging And Applying To The Congress Of The United States Under The Provisions Of Article V Of The Constitution Of The United States For The Calling Of A Convention Of The States, Limited To Proposing Amendments To The Constitution Of The United States That Limit The Terms Of Office For Officials Of The Federal Government And Members Of Congress.

HI HR15

Urging And Applying To The Congress Of The United States Under The Provisions Of Article V Of The Constitution Of The United States For The Calling Of A Convention Of The States, Limited To Proposing Amendments To The Constitution Of The United States That Limit The Terms Of Office For Officials Of The Federal Government And Members Of Congress.

TX SJR1

Urging the Congress of the United States to propose and submit to the states for ratification a federal balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States and, in the event that Congress does not submit such an amendment on or before December 31, 2011, applying to Congress to call a convention for the specific and exclusive purpose of proposing an amendment to that constitution to provide, in the absence of a national emergency and on a two-thirds vote of Congress, for a federal balanced budget and requesting that the legislatures of each of the several states that compose the United States apply to Congress to call a convention to propose such an amendment.