MS HC40

Proposes amending Section 33 of the Mississippi Constitution to allow citizens to propose new laws or amend/repeal existing laws through ballot initiatives, independent of the Legislature

Requires initiative petitions to be signed by qualified electors equal to at least 12% of votes cast for Governor in the last gubernatorial election, collected over a 12-month period with signatures distributed evenly across congressional districts

Prohibits the initiative process from being used to amend the state constitution, change laws relating to the Mississippi Public Employees' Retirement System, or enact laws the Constitution prohibits the Legislature from passing

Requires initiative measures to pass with both a majority of votes cast on the measure and at least 40% of total votes cast in that election; if conflicting measures pass, the one with the most votes prevails

Only Mississippi residents may circulate petitions, and sponsors must identify funding sources for any measures requiring substantial state expenditures; approved measures take effect 30 days after official vote certification