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HJR1001

A Constitutional Amendment Concerning The Salaries Of Elected Constitutional Officers Of The Executive Department, Members Of The General Assembly, Supreme Court Justices, Court Of Appeals Judges, And Prosecuting Attorneys.

Failed

Last Action (May 1, 2023): Died in House Committee at Sine Die Adjournment

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AI-Generated Summary

This House Joint Resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to abolish the Independent Citizens Commission in Arkansas. Currently, this commission is responsible for setting the salaries of elected constitutional officers of the executive department, members of the General Assembly, Supreme Court justices, Court of Appeals judges, and prosecuting attorneys. The amendment seeks to transfer the authority to determine these salaries directly to the General Assembly. Proponents argue that elected officials, rather than an unelected commission, should hold this power. If passed by the legislature, the proposal would be submitted to the Arkansas electorate for approval or rejection at the next general election.

Potential Impact Analysis

Who Might Benefit?

The primary beneficiaries would be the members of the Arkansas General Assembly, as the bill grants them the direct authority to determine their own compensation and the salaries of other high-ranking state officials, thereby increasing their legislative control over state government operations.

Who Might Suffer?

The primary groups negatively impacted are the members of the Independent Citizens Commission, whose positions and functions would be eliminated, and potentially the public, who would lose an independent, non-legislative body tasked with removing salary-setting power from those who personally benefit from it.

Read Full Bill on arkleg.state.ar.us