DE HB399

Proposes a constitutional amendment to Article VIII of the Delaware Constitution establishing a limit on base general fund operating appropriations for the General Assembly.

Limits budget appropriations to the current fiscal year's base appropriations adjusted by the average of the three most recent fiscal years' national Consumer Price Index increases plus the average of three recent calendar years' state population increases.

Requires the Governor to limit recommended budget growth to the same calculation: average CPI increase over three fiscal years plus average state population increase over three calendar years.

Exempts emergency appropriations involving health, safety, or welfare of state citizens that are approved by three-fifths majority in each house from the budget limitations.

Defines "base general fund operating appropriations" as total general fund appropriations in the annual Budget Appropriation Bill excluding any appropriations specifically identified as one-time appropriations.