Mississippi 2024 Regular Session

Mississippi Senate Bill SB2521

Introduced

2/16/24

Refer

2/16/24

Failed

3/5/24

Caption

Ballot initiative measure process; revise the statutory provisions of.

Impact

The reformation of the initiative process under SB2521 introduces several procedural requirements for those wishing to initiate a measure. For example, proposed initiatives must receive a fiscal analysis from the chief legislative budget officer and adhere to a single-subject rule. The bill also mandates that the Secretary of State publish a pamphlet containing all ballot measures, thereby increasing transparency but also imposing additional burdens on initiative sponsors. This alteration can enhance accountability but may also deter citizens from initiating measures due to the increased complexity and potential costs associated with compliance.

Summary

Senate Bill 2521 aims to amend the existing initiative measure process as defined in the Mississippi Code of 1972. The proposed changes state that only the legislature can propose amendments to the Mississippi Constitution, while allowing the citizens to propose new laws or amend and repeal existing laws through initiatives that can be approved or rejected via voter elections. This distinction is significant as it shifts the power dynamics regarding constitutional amendments between the legislature and the electorate, potentially leading to a more centralized decision-making process regarding constitutional matters.

Contention

Debate surrounding SB2521 is likely to center on the balance of power between the state legislature and the public. Supporters of the bill argue that it will streamline the initiative process and prevent unconstitutional or impractical proposals from reaching the ballot. However, critics may see this as an infringement on the rights of citizens to directly participate in governance, suggesting that it puts too much control in the hands of lawmakers. Additionally, the requirement of fiscal analysis could be viewed as a gatekeeping mechanism that complicates the initiation of measures, particularly for grassroots movements with limited resources.