MS HC22

Proposes a constitutional amendment requiring the Mississippi Legislature to enact a balanced budget for each fiscal year with total appropriations not exceeding estimated revenues.

Total appropriations from the State General Fund may not exceed estimated state general funds available for expenditure in that fiscal year.

Legislature may waive balanced budget requirements by two-thirds vote in each house if responding to state of war emergency, natural disaster emergency, or national economic crisis.

Amendment defines emergency conditions to include military attack, terrorism, cybersecurity attacks, civil unrest, natural disasters, epidemics, or major economic crises.

Proposed amendment scheduled for voter approval on November 3, 2015, with implementing legislation to be enacted by the Legislature.