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Bill

A 6357

Requires two-thirds vote of legislature for any change in tax rates, budget bills and appropriations

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Ken Blankenbush and 14 co-sponsors

Bill A 6357 requires a two-thirds legislative vote for changes to tax rates and budgets, promoting fiscal stability and collaboration among lawmakers.

OPINION REFERRED TO JUDICIARY
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Bill Summary · A 6357

Summary of Bill A 6357

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: A 6357
  • Title: Requires two-thirds vote of legislature for any change in tax rates, budget bills, and appropriations
  • Status: Opinion referred to Judiciary
  • Introduced: March 04, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill A 6357 aims to amend the legislative process regarding changes to tax rates, budget bills, and appropriations. The primary intent is to ensure that any alterations in these critical financial areas require a higher threshold of legislative approval, specifically a two-thirds majority vote. This change is designed to promote fiscal responsibility and stability by making it more challenging to implement changes that could significantly impact the state's financial landscape.

Key Provisions

  • Two-Thirds Vote Requirement: The bill mandates that any proposed changes to tax rates, budget bills, or appropriations must receive a two-thirds majority vote in the legislature. This is a significant shift from the current simple majority requirement.
  • Scope of Changes: The bill encompasses all forms of tax rate adjustments and any modifications to budgetary allocations or appropriations, thereby broadening the legislative scrutiny required for financial decisions.

Impact

  • Legislators: The bill would directly affect how legislators approach budgetary and tax-related decisions, requiring more consensus and collaboration to pass such measures.
  • State Finances: By raising the threshold for approval, the bill could lead to greater stability in tax rates and budget allocations, potentially reducing the frequency of changes that could disrupt state financial planning.
  • Public Services: Changes in appropriations could impact funding for public services, as a two-thirds majority may limit the ability to quickly respond to funding needs or emergencies.

Procedural Timeline

  • March 04, 2025: Bill A 6357 was introduced and referred to Governmental Operations.
  • March 07, 2025: The bill was sent to the Attorney General for an opinion.
  • March 24, 2025: The bill was referred to the Judiciary for further consideration.

Related Bills

This bill is associated with several prior-session bills that may share similar themes or objectives:
- A 4665
- A 4774
- A 8230
- A 4669
- A 3538
- A 5788
- A 5187
- S 3922 (companion bill)

Conclusion

Bill A 6357 represents a significant legislative proposal aimed at enhancing the fiscal governance of the state by requiring a two-thirds majority for tax and budget changes. Its implications could lead to more stable financial management and a more collaborative legislative environment. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, its impact on state finances and public services will be closely monitored.

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

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