Mississippi House Bill HC2

Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/4/22
• Refer: 1/4/22
• Failed: 4/5/22

Caption

Joint Rules; amend to limit introduction of general bills requiring majority vote to sessions in even-numbered years.

Impact

The implementation of HC2 could significantly change the legislative landscape in Mississippi by effectively reducing the number of general bills considered during odd-numbered years. Supporters might argue that this limits distractions and focuses legislative efforts on revenue-related bills, thereby improving efficiency. However, it could also create a bottleneck during even-numbered years, where a higher volume of bills may need to be processed in a shorter time frame, potentially leading to rushed decision-making.

Summary

House Concurrent Resolution 2 (HC2) proposes to amend the joint rules of the Mississippi Senate and House of Representatives, specifically by establishing a new Joint Rule 18A. This rule would restrict the introduction and consideration of general bills that require a majority vote to regular legislative sessions that occur in even-numbered years. The intent behind this amendment is to limit the introduction of non-revenue general bills during odd-numbered year sessions, potentially streamlining the legislative process within the state.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HC2 center on the implications for legislative deliberation and local governance. Critics may argue that imposing such restrictions could limit the ability of lawmakers to respond to emerging needs or urgent issues that arise in odd-numbered years. This could hinder timely legislative action on significant matters, thereby affecting various stakeholders who may require legislative relief or attention throughout the entire legislative cycle.