WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HJR 1011

A CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT CONCERNING THE CONSIDERATION OF BILLS OTHER THAN APPROPRIATION BILLS DURING A FISCAL SESSION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Stephen Meeks

HJR 1011 sought to allow non-appropriation bills during fiscal sessions, enhancing legislative flexibility for urgent matters, but it died in committee.

Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HJR 1011

Summary of HJR 1011: Constitutional Amendment on Fiscal Session Bill Consideration

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: HJR 1011
  • Title: A Constitutional Amendment Concerning the Consideration of Bills Other Than Appropriation Bills During a Fiscal Session of the General Assembly
  • Status: Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment
  • Introduced: February 10, 2025
  • Classification: Joint Resolution

Purpose and Intent

HJR 1011 aimed to amend the Arkansas Constitution to allow the consideration of non-appropriation bills during fiscal sessions of the General Assembly. The intent was to provide more flexibility in legislative processes during these specific sessions, which traditionally focus solely on appropriation bills.

Key Provisions

The proposed amendment included the following significant changes to Article 5, § 5(c) of the Arkansas Constitution:

  1. Consideration Period for Non-Appropriation Bills:

    • Non-appropriation bills could be considered during a fiscal session if they were filed within a specific timeframe: seven days before and seven days after the start of the fiscal session.

  2. Two-Thirds Approval Requirement:

    • Any non-appropriation bill filed outside of the designated period could still be considered if it received approval from two-thirds of the members in both houses of the General Assembly.

  3. Effective Date:

    • If passed, the amendment would take effect on January 1, 2027.

  4. Ballot Title and Popular Name:

    • The amendment would be presented to voters under the title: "A Constitutional Amendment Concerning the Consideration of Bills Other Than Appropriation Bills During a Fiscal Session of the General Assembly."

Impact

  • Legislative Flexibility: The amendment aimed to enhance legislative flexibility by allowing the General Assembly to address urgent non-appropriation matters during fiscal sessions, which are typically limited to budget-related issues.
  • Affected Parties: This change would impact legislators, state agencies, and constituents by potentially enabling more comprehensive legislative action during fiscal sessions.

Procedural Aspects

  • The resolution was filed on February 10, 2025, and was read and referred to the Committee on State Agencies & Governmental Affairs. However, it ultimately died in committee on May 5, 2025, at the Sine Die adjournment, meaning it did not progress to a vote or reach the ballot for public consideration.

This summary provides a clear understanding of HJR 1011's intent, provisions, and potential implications for the legislative process in Arkansas.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.