Mississippi House Bill HC8

Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/10/23
• Refer: 1/10/23
• Failed: 1/31/23

Caption

Constitution; amend to provide that during legislative sessions held in even years only appropriations bills shall be considered.

Impact

The amendment aims to create a clearer and more focused approach to legislative sessions by reducing the number of bills presented in even-numbered years. Starting in 2025, it further delineates that the introduction and consideration of all other types of legislation will be confined to sessions held in odd-numbered years. Such a significant structural change to the legislative calendar could have lasting impacts on how efficiently laws can be passed and how representatives engage with their constituents on various issues.

Summary

House Concurrent Resolution 8 (HC8) proposes an amendment to Section 36 of the Mississippi Constitution of 1890. The proposed amendment stipulates that beginning in 2024, only bills appropriating funds or transferring money from one fund in the state treasury to another shall be considered during legislative sessions held in even-numbered years. This change seeks to streamline the legislative process by restricting the types of bills that can be reviewed during these particular sessions.

Contention

As with many legislative amendments, HC8 has generated discussion regarding the potential implications of such restrictions. Proponents argue that limits on legislative activities during even years will ensure that the focus remains on fiscal matters and the management of the state treasury. However, critics may contend that this could hinder the ability of the legislature to respond swiftly to emerging issues or crises that require legislative action at any given time, potentially leading to delays in addressing critical public needs.