Missouri House Bill HJR113

Missouri 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/6/22
• Refer: 1/10/22

Caption

Requires initiative petitions to state funding sources for proposed obligations

Impact

If HJR113 is enacted, it would introduce significant changes to the process of submitting initiative petitions in Missouri. By mandating that initiative petitions disclose funding sources, the bill aims to prevent potential financial burdens on the state's general revenue. This could ultimately influence the types of initiatives that are proposed, as proponents may need to be more strategic about identifying viable funding options. Additionally, the resolution could lead to a greater emphasis on fiscal responsibility among those advocating for new measures, aligning voter decisions more closely with practical financial considerations.

Summary

HJR113 is a proposed joint resolution that aims to amend Article XII of the Missouri Constitution. The primary purpose of this bill is to require that any initiative petition placed on the ballot must state the revenue or funding source for any obligations proposed by such initiative. This legislation intends to enhance transparency regarding the financial implications of proposals that are presented to voters, ensuring they are informed about funding before making decisions at the polls. The resolution seeks to clarify the responsibilities of the Missouri General Assembly in relation to appropriations associated with these initiatives.

Contention

While the resolution has merits in promoting transparency, there are concerns regarding its potential impacts on grassroots initiatives. Critics may argue that requiring specific funding disclosures could stifle the ability of citizen-led initiatives, especially those that rely on innovative or alternative funding sources. This added requirement might disproportionately affect smaller groups or communities that may not have the resources to easily identify and articulate funding strategies, thus diminishing their participation in the democratic process. The resolution's clarity on funding could also lead to debates on what constitutes an acceptable funding source, potentially limiting the scope of initiatives intended to address various local and state issues.