Constitution; amend to provide that during legislative sessions held in even years only appropriations bills shall be considered.
This amendment could lead to significant changes in how Mississippi manages its legislative calendar and addresses state issues. By limiting discussions in even years primarily to financial appropriations, it may promote a concentrated effort on budgeting and fiscal planning. Conversely, it restricts the ability of legislators to introduce other types of legislation during these sessions, potentially impeding the state's response to roadblocks or emerging issues outside of fiscal concerns.
House Concurrent Resolution 7 proposes an amendment to Section 36 of the Mississippi Constitution of 1890, fundamentally altering the structure of legislative sessions. Starting in 2024, only bills related to appropriating funds or transferring money between accounts in the State Treasury will be considered during legislative sessions held in even-numbered years. This change is intended to streamline legislative processes, focusing discussions more narrowly within certain time frames, especially concerning fiscal matters.
Opposition to this resolution may arise from concerns about the reduced flexibility in legislative functions. Critics might argue that confining discussions to appropriations in even years could hinder the legislative process, preventing timely responses to diverse state needs, including social services and infrastructure projects. The specific limitation tackles concerns regarding legislative workload but also raises questions about representation and the ability of elected officials to address issues that require legislative action outside of financial concerns.