MS HC17

Proposes constitutional amendment requiring legislature to enact general law authorizing counties and municipalities to merge and consolidate into a metropolitan government.

Permits legislature to enact additional local and private law governing the merger process for incorporated municipalities within the same county, with the county, or both.

Legislation shall prescribe powers and duties of metropolitan government including taxation and finance, and the number, qualifications, and selection of governing authorities.

Allows legislation to either maintain existing county offices and officials or abolish them and establish new offices for the metropolitan government.

Amendment scheduled for voter approval on first Tuesday after first Monday of November 2013, with explanation to appear on ballot.